A cyclodextrin metal-organic framework loaded with terpinen-4-ol and its application to control gray mold in strawberry

Terpinen-4-ol has potent antifungal activity and controls decay in postharvest strawberry fruit. In order to overcome the unstable and volatile characteristics of terpinen-4-ol, a γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) metal-organic framework (MOF) with high porosity and large specific surface area was synthesized by vapor diffusion and ultrasonic mixing. Terpinen-4-ol-loaded γ-CD-MOF (γ-CD-MOF/Ter) was then prepared using physical adsorption. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption showed that terpinen-4-ol was successfully loaded into the center of the γ-CD-MOF structure, and that encapsulation efficiency and drug loading reached 53.61% and 9.31%, respectively. γ-CD-MOF/Ter reduced the release rate of terpinene-4-ol, and exhibited the higher antifungal effect against B. cinerea in vitro test. Meanwhile, it was effective in controlling gray mold and maintaining the quality of strawberry fruit. We conclude that γ-CD-MOF loads terpinen-4-ol and reduces its volatilization and has potential application in the preservation of strawberry fruit.