Abstract: This study proposed a dual-synergistic strategy involving deodorization by physical adsorption through the porous structure of nanofiber membranes, and the application of the natural active compound thymol for antibacterial and antioxidant purposes. Based on this strategy, coaxial electrospinning was used to prepare a core-shell nanofiber membrane (PGT) with polyvinyl alcohol as the shell and thymol together with genipin as the core. The structural properties of the membrane were determined, and its application in the refrigerated preservation of grass carp fillets was evaluated. The results showed that the membrane exhibited a good fiber morphology and stable core-shell structure. The PGT formulation containing 6% thymol (PGT-6) showed the best mechanical properties, antibacterial and antioxidant activities, and deodorization capacity. It scavenged (99.5 ± 0.4)% of 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation and (87.5 ± 0.2)% of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, and its inhibition rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were (95.48 ± 1.57)% and (98.66 ± 1.92)%, respectively. PGT-6 effectively delayed the increase in pH of grass carp, inhibited microbial proliferation, slowed down lipid oxidation and protein decomposition, and significantly reduced the generation of fishy substances. On the 12th day of cold storage, the total viable count (TVC) of grass carp fillets with PGT-6 was (5.70 ± 0.14) (lg(CFU/g)) and the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content was (18.12 ± 1.12) mg/100 g, both remaining below the spoilage limit. This indicates that PGT-6 extended the shelf life and maintained fish quality. This study provides a new approach for the development of green, efficient, and multifunctional active packaging materials for aquatic products.

Key words: electrospun nanofiber films; active packaging; antibacterial activity; antioxidant activity; deodorization and preservation; aquatic products