Electrospun PVA/pectin nanofibers encapsulating both emulsion and nanoemulsion of Perovskia abrotanoides oil show nanoemulsion superiority for sustainable active packaging applications.

Abstract

Sustainable packaging plays a critical role in addressing the severe environmental pollution caused by synthetic polymers. In this study, pectin-incorporated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers containing Perovskia abrotanoides essential oil (EO) and its nanoemulsion form (NEO) were successfully optimized and fabricated using electrospinning. Physicochemical properties were characterized using SEM, FTIR, DSC, XRD, and zeta potential analysis. Optimal electrospinning parameters were achieved with 8% PVA and 2% pectin (80:20), a feed rate of 1 mL/h, and an applied voltage of 18.0 kV, yielding uniform, bead-free nanofibers. EO and NEO were incorporated at concentrations of 0.5 MIC, 1 MIC, and 2 MIC to assess their antioxidant and antibacterial performance. SEM analysis revealed that 2 MIC EO and 0.5 MIC NEO produced smoother nanofibers with mean diameters of 898 ± 240 nm and 755 ± 148 nm, respectively, along with enhanced antibacterial efficacy against seven foodborne pathogens. Compared with EO-loaded systems, NEO-loaded nanofibers exhibited higher absolute zeta potential values ( -5.9 mV for 2NEO) and superior stability mechanical properties. Overall, this study suggests that PVA/pectin nanofibers containing Perovskia abrotanoides NEO are promising sustainable multifunctional packaging material.