Regulating gas transmission rates in microperforated polybutylene succinate films for modified atmosphere packaging of bananas

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser technology was used to modify the gas permeability of polybutylene succinate (PBS) film by creating holes. The holes were made using pulse fluences ranging from 37.0 to 369.8 J cm⁻² and pulse lengths varying from 20 to 200 µs. The minimum fluence required to cause deformation in the PBS film was 129.4 J cm⁻², resulting in a tiny opening at the perforation site. Aperture size and pulse duration have an impact on gas exchange because they increase the surface area of microholes and facilitate gas transfer. The efficacy of banana packing was evaluated by employing microperforated PBS films with different number of holes and a pulse length of 200 µs. The lowest CO₂ and highest oxygen (O₂) concentrations were observed in PBS 7/200, followed by 5/200, 3/200, and 1/200, respectively. The gas composition with the highest potential was PBS 7/200, indicating its effectiveness in preserving banana quality. Perforating PBS film packaging with a CO₂ laser allows for regulated gas permeability, which has the potential to improve the quality and safety of food.