The eco-friendly polyelectrolyte bilayer films were prepared by layer-by-layer (LBL) casting method using chitosan (CS) and four types of edible citrus pectin as film substrates. The results showed that the polyelectrolyte bilayer films exhibited excellent comprehensive properties. Furthermore, the interaction between CS and pectin was closely related to the degree of methyl-esterification (DM), molecular weight (M_w), and zeta potential of pectin. The low DM, M_w, and high zeta potential of the low methyl-esterified pectin (LM) resulted in a denser internal structure of the bilayer film, stronger UV shielding performance, and stronger gas barrier ability. The high DM and M_w of the high methyl-esterified pectin (HM) endow the bilayer film with stronger mechanical properties, thermal stability, and antifogging property. The microstructural and spectroscopic analysis showed that there are hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions between the layers. Overall, the developed CS-pectin polyelectrolyte bilayer films provided potential applications for food bioactive packaging.

To address the limitations of current starch-based food packaging materials, this study develops a novel sustainable material—honeysuckle hybrid particle-enhanced starch active fiber film (LNC). Derived from lily starch, this film is a promising green material for food preservation. The film’s functionality was enhanced by integrating honeysuckle essential oil and chitosan–ZnO composite hybrid particles, while cellulose nanofibers were used to create a stable network structure. Honeysuckle essential oil was analyzed, identifying 40 main compounds, with linalool as the predominant component (48.41%). Subsequently, honeysuckle essential oil hybrid particles (CZH) were successfully developed. Using lily starch as the matrix, the effects of honeysuckle essential oil, CZH, and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) on the film’s properties were investigated, leading to the fabrication of functional composite films (LNCs). The results indicated that CZH and CNF significantly enhanced the molecular structure, crystallinity, thermal stability, surface hydrophobicity (contact angle θ > 103°), and tensile strength (37.31 MPa) of the films. Additionally, CZH improved the film’s UV-blocking capacity (UV-blocking rate of 85.92%), and LNC exhibited superior gas barrier properties. This study demonstrates that lily starch-based composite films possess exceptional mechanical, optical, and barrier properties, thereby highlighting their potential for use in functional food packaging applications.