Multifunctional food packaging based on wampee seed starch and red pear peel extracts for simultaneous freshness preservation and visual freshness detection

In the present work, the starch was prepared from wampee fruit seeds and wampee seed starch (WSS) was prepared utilized as biopolymers for packaging films for the first time. The red pear peel anthocyanin extracts (RPPAEs) were incorporated as active compounds and indicators into WSS films to develop novel active and intelligent packaging. The WSS have excellent film-forming capacities. The RPPAEs had great compatibility with WSS matrix without influencing their chemical structures. The introduced RPPAEs enhanced the optical performance of WSS films, allowing the improved ultraviolet barrier capacities. The RPPAEs might have some plasticizing effects, which contributed to the reduced tensile strength as well as enhanced elongation at break. Meanwhile, RPPAEs imparted excellent antioxidant capacities and sensitive pH-color responsiveness on WSS films. The WSS-based films had great biodegradability. The active and intelligent WSS/RPPAEs composite films presenting multifunctionality showed promise for the preservation of apple fruits and visible monitoring of shrimp freshness.