Characterization of feruloylated arabinoxylan - acorn starch double network gel composite film and its application in postharvest preservation of Agaricus bisporus

To obtain efficient natural food packaging materials, we utilized acorn starch (AS)-based film strengthened by feruloylated arabinoxylan (FAX) gel and additional retrogradation treatment to extend the shelf life of Agaricus bisporus ( A. bisporus ). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed that due to the strong hydrogen bonding between FAX and starch molecules, physical crosslinking occurred between FAX and starch molecules in the composite film, and the microstructure became more compact. Thermogravimetric, tensile strength and swelling degree analyses indicate that the composite film exhibits better thermal stability, mechanical properties, and waterproofing compared to the pure AS film. Consequently, after five days of storage, the moisture content of the A. bisporus packaged with our composite film was 7.53 times and 5.73 times higher than that of the control group and the commercially available PEF group, respectively. Moreover, it delayed the respiration or transpiration of A. bisporus (lower weight loss, relative conductivity, MDA content). This packaging film developed with the objective of eco-friendly and biodegradability has considerable application potential in food and other industries.