Photocatalytic H₂ fumigation technology enhanced FSG/CS nanocomposite films for banana packaging

The waste of agricultural products has driven the need for improved food preservation techniques. Herein, we propose an innovative dual preservation strategy combining Pt/TiO₂ photocatalytic H₂ fumigation with fish scale gelatin/chitosan (FSG/CS) nanocomposite film packaging to extend banana freshness. By incorporating Pt/TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) into the FSG/CS matrix, FSG/CS-3 % NPs films were prepared, significantly enhancing antibacterial, mechanical, barrier, and hydrophobic properties. The films exhibited over 99 % antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, a 49.1 % increase in tensile strength, reduced water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and oxygen permeability (OP), and a water contact angle (WCA) of 117.4°, demonstrating excellent hydrophobicity. The films also showed high biosafety (cell survival rate > 99.3 %) and complete biodegradability within 12 days. Photocatalytic H₂ generation, requiring only water, achieved 4.5 ppm H₂ in 3 min under xenon lamp (300 W) irradiation. This strategy extended banana storage by over 8 days, as photocatalytic H₂ treatment enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced lipid peroxidation and ROS generation, and slowed physiological metabolism, while FSG/CS-3 % NPs film packaging inhibited microbial growth. This photocatalytic H₂-enhanced FSG/CS nanocomposite film provides a promising solution for fruit preservation.