Fabrication and postharvest application of alginate/pullulan composite films integrated with citral-loaded α-CD-MOFs for sustainable cherry storage.

ABSTRACT: Cherries are highly susceptible to spoilage after harvest due to physiological and biochemical changes. This poses considerable challenges to food safety. Common fungal pathogens responsible for decay include Aspergillus niger and Cladosporium cladosporioides. Citral, an efficient antifungal agent, is thought to combat these pathogens through interactions with phytase (phyA) and N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), a hypothesis explored through molecular docking simulations. Using the Independent Gradient Model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH) analysis, it was found that citral encapsulated within α-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (α-CD-MOFs) forms strong van der Waals forces and exhibits hydrogen bonding. These interactions enhance the stability of the composite material. Incorporating

SUBMITTER: Mou L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12680700 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature