Innovative cellulose-based porous matrix loaded with carvacrol microemulsion for sustainable mango preservation

This study innovatively utilized cellulose-rich Sphagnum palustre L. (SPL) as a porous material for loading carvacrol microemulsion, thereby developing a novel material for mango preservation. Initially, genetic relationship analysis combined with morphological characterization identified Penicillium griseofulvum as a fungal pathogen responsible for mango decay. Based on this finding, carvacrol—a compound with strong antimicrobial properties—was selected as the active agent to formulate a stable oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsion. Through the self-adsorption capacity of the SPL-based porous matrix, a preservation system with controlled release properties and excellent thermal stability was successfully constructed. Gaussian calculation and visualization analysis revealed that the intermolecular interaction between carvacrol and the carrier is primarily dominated by van der Waals forces, a mechanism that can be utilized to achieve controlled release, and the release behavior conforms to the first-order kinetic model. In postharvest mango preservation trials, the porous structure of SPL significantly enhanced the fruit's resistance to mechanical damage (P < 0.001). The addition of 10 % (m/m) carvacrol microemulsion effectively delayed the onset of spoilage by at least 6 days and significantly reduced weight loss (P < 0.05), demonstrating superior preservation performance. In conclusion, this novel plant-derived porous material offers antimicrobial properties, extends shelf life, and provides impact resistance, showing great application potential.