Innovative Preparation of Salted Duck Egg White Lysozyme Functional Film and Its Application in Fresh Storage of Small Nectarines

Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) is ideal for active packaging due to its non-toxicity and degradability, but its poor film-forming performance (strong hydrophilicity, weak mechanical properties, and low antibacterial activity) limits practical use. This study prepared a new edible antibacterial presFervation film (SDEWL-CMCS) by adding salted duck egg white lysozyme (SDEWL) to CMCS (as the film-forming substrate). It investigated how SDEWL concentration affects the composite film’s properties (thickness, water solubility, moisture/oil resistance, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activity) and tested the film’s preservation effect on small nectarines. The results showed the composite film had significantly improved packaging and antibacterial properties: compared to pure CMCS film, it had higher tensile strength, lower water solubility, better oil resistance and water vapor barrier performance, and stronger antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (larger inhibition zone diameters). The SDEWL-CMCS film effectively preserved small nectarines by inhibiting surface bacteria, regulating the preservation environment, and delaying fungal decay. This study confirms the film’s potential as a sustainable fruit packaging alternative, providing a theoretical basis for developing new fruit/vegetable preservation packaging and reducing the food industry’s reliance on non-degradable petroleum-based packaging.