Preparation of PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat for the preservation of chilled pork

Summary This study aimed to prolong the shelf life of chilled pork by simply preparing antimicrobial packaging. β ‐cyclodextrin ( β ‐CD) cross‐linked polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with citric acid, and then embedded eugenol (EG) into β ‐CD to make the antimicrobial mat. Release tests showed that the EG in the mat can be slowly released in a 50% ethanol solution. Continuous release of EG could significantly inhibit the growth of S. aureus and E. coli . Compared to the control group, the pH, TBARS, TVB‐N and TVC decreased significantly in the treatment group with increasing storage time, especially from 5 to 7 days ( P < 0.05). The sensory evaluation results also showed that PET‐EG‐ β ‐CD mat increased overall acceptance of chilled pork. PET‐EG‐ β ‐CD mat prolonged the shelf life of chilled pork for 2–4 days. These results suggested that PET‐EG‐ β ‐CD mat effectively protected the quality of chilled pork, and had certain application value as an active packaging.