Preparation and application of equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging membranes with polylactic acid and polymers of intrinsic microporosity

PIM-1/PLA equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) membranes were prepared by polylactic acid (PLA) and polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1). PIM-1/PLA membranes blocked light transmission due to the strong light absorption of PIM-1, thus reducing the damage of light irradiation to mango. Meanwhile, the moisture permeability and gas permeability of PIM-1/PLA membranes increased with the addition of PIM-1, and the highest values appeared at 1.00 % PIM-1/PLA membrane. This feature was contributing to achieving gas equilibrium concentration (10.5–13.5 % of CO2 and 8.1–9.1 % of O2) and discharging water in the membrane, thus providing optimal environment for mango storage. Moreover, the mechanical properties of PIM-1/PLA membrane with more than 0.25 % PIM-1 addition were slightly lower than those of pure PLA membrane, while the elongation at break was not affected. During the mango preservation, 1.00 % PIM-1/PLA membrane inhibited the respiration rate and delayed the quality deterioration, showing the significant potential application as EMAP membrane. [Display omitted] •PIM-1/PLA equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging membrane was prepared.•PIM-1/PLA membranes exhibited good light transmission barrier and hydrophilicity.•PIM-1/PLA membranes regulated gas composition with its permeability and selectivity.•PIM-1/PLA membranes inhibited respiration rate and delayed deterioration of mangoes.•The equilibrium atmosphere in the package was 10.5–13.5 % of CO2 and 8.1–9.1 % of O2.