AIE-doped agar-based photodynamic sterilization film for antimicrobial food wrapping

Agar film for food wrapping is popular because of its low price, edible and strong biodegradability. However, there are still many problems in the application of agar film, such as no antibacterial performance. To address the problem, we designed and synthesized a novel photodynamic bactericidal aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule, then mixed it into agar to prepare a composite film, which made the agar film have antimicrobial properties. Due to the antimicrobial ability of the AIE molecules, the agar-based composite film doped with AIE has a good inhibitory effect on E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa and P. leiognathi. The actual fresh-keeping performance of wrapped pork was evaluated, and the results showed that it could extend the shelf life of pork to more than 8 days. In addition, the light transmittance, mechanical properties, water resistance, water permeability and thermal stability of the composite film remain good. Therefore, the application of AIE-doped agar-based film in food antimicrobial wrapping materials has a good prospect.