Development of PLA/PBAT/TPS-based Active Modified Atmosphere Packaging Films for Preserving Green Color in Perfume Lemons

ZHANG Chen; LU Xinyu; LIU Xiaofang; YANG Dingyan; FAN Min; Wang Daode; LI Li

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.07.011

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (7) : 92-102. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.07.011

Agro-products Preservation and Food Packaging

Development of PLA/PBAT/TPS-based Active Modified Atmosphere Packaging Films for Preserving Green Color in Perfume Lemons

ZHANG Chen¹, LU Xinyu¹, LIU Xiaofang¹, YANG Dingyan¹, FAN Min¹, Wang Daode², LI Li^1,*

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Abstract

The gas permeability of packaging films is crucial for regulating the post-harvest micro-environment of fruits and vegetables. The work aims to extend the freshness preservation period of perfume lemon by designing the gas permeability of the films to regulate the dynamic balance of O₂ and CO₂ inside the packaging, thereby inhibiting respiration, maintaining green color, and delaying physiological senescence. Composite films with different gradients of polylactic acid (PLA) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were prepared via melt extrusion to investigate the barrier properties and mechanical performance of the composite films. Then, the films were subsequently applied in the preservation experiment of perfume lemon. The ability of the films to maintain fruit appearance was evaluated through physicochemical indicators, including analysis of gas composition inside the package, weight loss rate, and chlorophyll content. The 3PLA-7PBAT composite film (PLA/PBAT/thermoplastic starch ratio of 16/64/20) demonstrated excellent gas regulation capability, with an O₂ transmission rate of (221.02±58.74) cm³/(m²·24 h·0.1 MPa). This combination of properties enabled it to maintain an ideal gas atmosphere inside the packaging during room-temperature preservation experiments, effectively suppressing chlorophyll degradation and preserving the characteristic color of fragrance lemon. Consequently, the green-retention period was prolonged by 250% compared with that of the untreated group. In conclusion, this research confirms that the ratio of PLA to PBAT is key to regulating the properties of PLA/PBAT/TPS composite films and their green-keeping effect on perfume lemons. The 3PLA-7PBAT composite film exhibits the best green-keeping performance by precisely adjusting gas permeability and optimizing the packaging micro-environment. This research provides new insights for the green and functional design of bio-based packaging materials.

Key words

biodegradable film / gas permeability / perfume lemon / shelf life

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ZHANG Chen, LU Xinyu, LIU Xiaofang, YANG Dingyan, FAN Min, Wang Daode, LI Li. Development of PLA/PBAT/TPS-based Active Modified Atmosphere Packaging Films for Preserving Green Color in Perfume Lemons[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2026, 47(7): 92-102 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.07.011

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