Construction of sodium alginate/ginkgo biloba polysaccharide based films embedded with ginkgo biloba extract and its application in postharvest quality stabilization of sweet cherries

Abstract

Sweet cherries, abundant in nutrients and antioxidants, are prone to quality loss from mechanical damage and pathogens. Eco-friendly sodium alginate/ginkgo biloba polysaccharide composite hydrogel films (SP) embedded with ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) was invented to enhance sweet cherry preservation. Structural analyses (XRD, FTIR, SEM) confirmed that ginkgo biloba polysaccharide improved hydrogel cross-linking, resolving sodium alginate's rapid surface gelation issue. GBE imparted antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against pathogens, with XPS confirming successful encapsulation rather than surface loading. The composite film demonstrated enhanced mechanical strength (tensile strength increased 38 %), improved water vapor barrier properties (25 % reduction), and antioxidant capacity. The optimized 2 % GBE formulation extended shelf life by 4 days compared to unpackaged fruit, achieving only 33.3 % decay incidence after 14 days versus 86.7 % in controls. Films maintained fruit homeostasis by blocking external exchange, demonstrating their potential as effective freshness-preserving packaging for fruit postharvest management.