Abstract: ZAISe/ZnS oil-soluble core-shell quantum dots, prepared with chitosan as film-forming material and ZAISe/ZnS quantum dots as photosensitive material, were transferred into a water phase for combination with chitosan to prepare quantum dot/chitosan composite film, and its physicochemical properties and inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under light and dark conditions were evaluated. The results showed that the quantum dot/chitosan composite film solution possessed more significant bacteriostatic effects under light conditions compared with chitosan film. Owing to this as well as the fact that quantum dots are safe and non-toxic, the composite film is expected to be applied in the preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Key words: quantum dots; chitosan; antimicrobial packaging materials; photosensitive materials