Preparation of PET-EG--CD mat for the preservation of chilled pork

This study aimed to prolong the shelf life of chilled pork by simply preparing antimicrobial packaging. beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) cross-linked polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with citric acid, and then embedded eugenol (EG) into beta-CD to make the antimicrobial mat. Release tests showed that the EG in the mat can be slowly released in a 50% ethanol solution. Continuous release of EG could significantly inhibit the growth of S. aureus and E. coli. Compared to the control group, the pH, TBARS, TVB-N and TVC decreased significantly in the treatment group with increasing storage time, especially from 5 to 7 days (P < 0.05). The sensory evaluation results also showed that PET-EG-beta-CD mat increased overall acceptance of chilled pork. PET-EG-beta-CD mat prolonged the shelf life of chilled pork for 2-4 days. These results suggested that PET-EG-beta-CD mat effectively protected the quality of chilled pork, and had certain application value as an active packaging.