Preparation of polypropylene/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) composite films incorporated with melanin for prevention of greening of potatoes

Polypropylene (PP) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blend films incorporated with melanin (Mel) were prepared using an extrusion casting method. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that Mel was evenly dispersed to form a well-blended film. The PP/PBAT/Mel composite films prevented UV light transmittance, especially UV-B rays. The addition of Mel influenced the surface color, water vapor transmission rate, oxygen transmission rate, and water contact angle of the composite films. After the addition of Mel, the tensile strength and elongation at break in the machine direction of the composite film increased by 30% and 27%, respectively. Packaging potatoes with PP/PBAT/Mel film and storing them under fluorescent light for 6 days effectively prevented the greening of potatoes caused by the production of chlorophyll. The PP/PBAT/Mel films have a high potential for the prevention of greening of potatoes during storage and distribution.