This study evaluated the efficacy of active packaging containing albumin (ALB) and pectin (PEC) cryogels loaded with pink pepper essential oil in preserving strawberries during 7 days of storage at 4 °C. The cryogels were prepared in different ratios (ALB:PEC 50:50 and 30:70) and applied in sachets within the strawberry packaging, varying the amounts from 0.4 g to 1.0 g. Analyses included the evaluation of mass loss, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, color, firmness, anthocyanin content, volatile compound composition and release from the essential oil (GC-FID and GC-MS), and microbiological analyses. Results showed that the cryogels maintained the stability of soluble solids and pH, and did not significantly affect the color or anthocyanin content. Strawberry firmness was influenced by the amount of cryogel, with 0.4 g of the ALB:PEC 30:70 cryogel’s best-preserving texture. A GC-MS analysis identified monoterpenes (α-pinene, 3-carene, and D-limonene) and sesquiterpenes (caryophyllene and germacrene D) as the major volatile compounds of the essential oil, with a controlled release over time. Cryogels, especially ALB:PEC 30:70, reduced the count of mesophilic aerobic bacteria (1 g) and yeasts and molds (0.4 g). This formulation extends shelf life and preserves the quality of strawberries through controlled antimicrobial release and firmness preservation.

This study evaluated cryogels from albumin (ALB) and albumin–pectin (ALB:PEC) as carriers for pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) essential oil. Cryogels were evaluated through infrared spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The bioactivity of the cryogels was analyzed by measuring their encapsulation efficiency (EE%), the antimicrobial activity of the encapsulated oil against S. aureus, E. coli, and B. cereus using the agar diffusion method; total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were analyzed by UV-vis spectrophotometry. The EE% varied between 59.61% and 77.41%. The cryogel with only ALB had the highest total phenolic content with 2.802 mg GAE/g, while the cryogel with the 30:70 ratio (ALB:PEC) presented a value of 0.822 mg GAE/g. A higher proportion of PEC resulted in a more significant inhibitory activity against S. aureus, reaching an inhibition zone of 18.67 mm. The cryogels with ALB and 70:30 ratio (ALB:PEC) presented fusion endotherms at 137.16 °C and 134.15 °C, respectively, and semicrystalline structures. The interaction between ALB and PEC increased with their concentration, as evidenced by the decreased intensity of the O-H stretching peak, leading to lower encapsulation efficiency. The cryogels obtained can be considered a suitable matrix for encapsulating pink pepper oil.

Sodium alginate polysaccharide is widely used for its ability to form hydrogels in the presence of calcium ions, showing excellent liquid retention properties. At the same time, Curcuma longa L. (CR) is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Considering these characteristics, this study aimed to develop hydrogels from the combination of calcium alginate (CA) and CR through 3D bioprinting. The samples were characterized for their structural, spectroscopic, morphological, hydrophilic, thermal, and biological properties. UV–Vis spectroscopy monitored CR release, fitting to classical kinetic models. The release profile was concentration-dependent, where the 1.0% (w/v) CR hydrogel exhibited a faster and higher release while the 0.5% (w/v) CR formulation provided a slower and more controlled release. Kinetic modeling demonstrated that the Korsmeyer–Peppas model provided the best fit (R ² > 0.99), with release exponents (n ≈ 0.50–0.54) consistent with Fickian to anomalous diffusion. The Higuchi model also correlated well (R ² ≈ 0.86–0.89), reinforcing a diffusion-driven release mechanism. Biological assays revealed that 1.0% (w/v) CR hydrogels exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition halos up to 12.67 mm but showed cytotoxicity to L929 fibroblasts (35% viability). In contrast, the 0.5% (w/v) CR hydrogel maintained biocompatibility (80% viability) while enabling sustained release of CR. Altogether, these findings highlight the versatility of CA/CR hydrogels, which combine swelling capacity, thermal stability, and controlled release of CR. Such systems are promising as advanced wound dressings, addressing the challenge of balancing antimicrobial efficacy with cellular biocompatibility. Future studies should include in vivo validation and testing under simulated chronic wound conditions to confirm their long-term safety and therapeutic potential.