Development of xanthan gum/hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose composite films incorporating tea polyphenol and its application on fresh-cut green bell peppers preservation

The aim of this work was to develop an edible packaging material with good performance that can be used for fresh-cut vegetables preservation. The xanthan (XG)-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-tea polyphenols (TP) composite film (XHT) was prepared by adding TP to the composite film-forming solution of XG and HPMC. At optimum TP dosage of 6% (XHT6), the tensile strength and elongation at break were at the maximum. The antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties were also enhanced, demonstrated good inhibitory ability to Staphylococcus aureus. After 8 days, the amount of Vitamin C that was retained by XHT6 was 127.81% and 7.83% higher than unpackaged and XHT0, respectively. Additionally, the MDA content in green peppers were 39.16% and 78.87% higher than that of unpackaged and XHT0, respectively. Practical applications of XHT films in preserving fresh-cut bell peppers had also shown positive results, making it possible as potential food packaging.