Development of biodegradable modified starch composite films with <i>Pleurotus citrinopileatus</i> polysaccharide and nano titanium dioxide for enhanced fresh-cut yam preservation

Abstract Modified starch films are gaining attention as biodegradable and sustainable materials in the food packaging industry. However, their inherent properties, including their brittleness and low antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities, limit their extensive application. To address these shortcomings, in this study, a composite film was developed using potato-modified starch (PMS) as the base material, enhanced with konjac glucomannan (KGM), Pleurotus citrinopileatus polysaccharide (PCP), and nano titanium dioxide (nano TiO2). Additionally, PCP and nano TiO2, which are bioactive components, were incorporated to improve the functional properties of the films, promoting their application in food preservation. The optimal composition of the composite films was determined through a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, and the best performance was achieved with 10 g/L of PCP and 1.5 g/L of nano TiO2. These composite films exhibited high mechanical strength, antimicrobial capacity, and antioxidant capacity while being noncytotoxic. The practical efficacy of the composite films was verified by applying them to preserve fresh-cut yams at room temperature, where they effectively delayed spoilage and maintained yam quality. This study demonstrates that PMS/KGM/PCP/nano TiO2 composite films can significantly enhance the shelf life of fresh produce, providing a viable route for eco-friendly food preservation.