Development of eco-friendly PVA blended aloe vera rind CNC films and fumigation of essential oils: a novel approach to prolonging the shelf-life of white button mushroom (<i>Agaricus bisporus</i>)

Abstract The white button mushroom is a significant vegan food with a limited shelf-life. To prolong the shelf-life of mushrooms, certain treatment must be implemented. The current investigation is involved in the development of biocomposite film (BCF) by employing cellulose nano crystal (CNC), dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The CNC extracted from aloe vera rind exhibited a sharp crystalline peak and rod-shaped structures with a particle size of ~322.7 nm. Among the various concentrations of the CNC, incorporated in the BCF, the 8% CNC (BCF-8%)-loaded film showed the highest mechanical strength of ~166.73 MPa and a best crystallinity pattern. The study examined the synergistic impact of BCF along with neroli and palmarosa essential oil vapours, which effectively preserved the overall physiochemical properties and sensory characteristics of white button mushrooms for up to 8 days of storage. Hence, these innovative packaging systems are suitable substitute for the commercial food grade packaging to maintain the quality of mushrooms during postharvest storage.