Preparation and Properties of Electrospun Antioxidant Films from Apocynum venetum Leaf Polysaccharide

Abstract

This study utilized the traditional medicinal plant apocynum venetum leaf as raw material to extract apocynum venetum leaf polysaccharide (ALP) via hot water extraction combined with an ethanol/ammonium sulfate aqueous two-phase system. Using ALP and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as raw materials, ALP/PVA composite nanofiber films were successfully prepared by electrospinning technology. Systematic characterizations indicated that ALP was effectively dispersed and stably integrated within the PVA matrix. Performance tests revealed that the composite film possesses excellent antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging rate reaching 90.9% at 0.2% ALP addition), improved mechanical properties (optimal strength per unit thickness of 18.59 MPa at 0.1% ALP addition), as well as good hydrophilicity, preliminary qualitative antibacterial activity, and a proof-of-concept demonstration for short-term food preservation. This study provides a feasible strategy and theoretical basis for developing green active packaging materials based on natural polysaccharides.