Photocatalytic-antimicrobial g-C3N4/PVA films for fruit preservation

With rising demand for food safety and sustainable packaging, the creation of antimicrobial and environmentally sustainable materials has become a critical research focus. In this study, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film incorporated with visible-light-responsive graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was fabricated, exhibiting remarkable antimicrobial performance. The composite film achieved photocatalytic antimicrobial efficiencies of 99.99 % against Acinetobacter baumannii, 88.26 % against Staphylococcus aureus, and 98.33 % against Escherichia coli. The g-C₃N₄ was treated via wet ball milling, which significantly enhanced the film's mechanical properties, water vapor impermeability, UV resistance, and antimicrobial performance while reducing hydrophilicity. Additionally, the film demonstrated notable effectiveness in strawberry preservation, extending shelf life to 96 h under ambient conditions, compared to 48 and 72 h for polyethylene (PE) and pure PVA films, respectively. Importantly, the recyclable composite retained its mechanical integrity and antimicrobial efficiency after multiple reuse cycles. This study provides innovative insights into the development of efficient, sustainable, and environmentally conscious food packaging materials.