Study on the preparation, characterization, and antibacterial properties of keggin POMs functionalized carrageenan composite films

A composite antimicrobial film (Carrageenan/Polyoxometalate, Carr/POM) was prepared by doping Keggin-type polyoxometalate Na₃PW₁₂O₄₀ into carrageenan using the casting method. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, surface morphology, structure, antimicrobial activity and biodegradability of the films were systematically investigated. The results showed that the incorporation of Na₃PW₁₂O₄₀ enhanced the water resistance of the carrageenan film and significantly impacted the surface morphology and crystal structure of the film. In antibacterial tests, the Carr/POM film exhibited strong bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus), with the Carr/POM-4 film demonstrating the strongest inhibitory effect, corresponding to an inhibition zone diameter of 10.58 mm.In addition, the Carr/POM films showed excellent biodegradability, with complete decomposition occurring in soil within approximately one week.These findings suggest that the prepared films possess excellent antimicrobial properties against foodborne pathogenic microorganisms, making them promising candidates for further application in the field of food packaging.