Effects of ultraviolet-C irradiation on the physicochemical properties of polysaccharide films prepared from the stalk base of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)

The effects of ultraviolet (UV)-C irradiation on the physicochemical properties of oyster mushroom polysaccharide (OMP) films were investigated. The prepared OMP films were subjected to UV-C treatment (5.4 kJ m(-2)). UV-C irradiation increased the tensile strength and decreased the water vapour permeability of the OMP films. In addition, the incorporation of 1.0%Cudrania tricuspidataleaf extract (CTLE) enhanced the antioxidant activity as well as antimicrobial activity of OMP films; however, UV-C treatment did not affect the activities of films containing CTLE. Furthermore, UV-C-irradiated films had higher contact angles than non-irradiated films, indicating increased surface hydrophobicity. Microstructural imaging revealed that UV-C treatment caused the surface of treated films to be smoother than that of untreated films owing to surface degradation. These results indicated that UV-C irradiation can be used for OMP films to improve film properties that are associated with application of films as food packaging material.

Automated summary

UV-C irradiation improved the tensile strength and reduced the water vapor permeability of OMP films, while enhancing their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Additionally, UV-C treated films exhibited increased surface hydrophobicity compared to non-treated films.