Fabrication of a Dictyophora volva extract/gelatin/κ-carrageenan film for improved fresh Dictyophora preservation: A correlation and PCA study

The rapid deterioration of fresh Dictyophora rubrovolvata ( D. rubrovolvata ) necessitates novel preservation solutions. This study developed an active, antioxidant composite film by incorporating D. rubrovolvata volva extract (DVE) into a gelatin/κ-carrageenan matrix (DVE-G-KC). The 15%DVE-G-KC film demonstrated superior preservation efficacy during 20 days of cold storage. Compared to polyethylene (PE) packaging, it significantly reduced the decay index by 34.86%, malondialdehyde content by 25.75%, and electrolyte leakage by 12.42%, while better maintaining soluble solids content (5.87% vs. 4.49% in PE). Furthermore, the film enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 15.10% and inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) by 24.08%, indicating a coordinated mechanism for mitigating oxidative stress. These results demonstrate that the DVE-G-KC film is a sustainable and efficient packaging strategy to significantly extend the postharvest shelf life of highly perishable D. rubrovolvata . • Quality degradation and regulatory factors for fresh Dictyophora were analyzed. • Dictyophora volva was used as a natural source of antioxidants. • The food preservation film with great antioxidant was successfully prepared. • The film outperformed the polyethylene for fresh Dictyophora preservation. • PCA identified two components describing 98.4 % of data on packing effects.