Eco‐Friendly and Self‐Sanitizing Microporous Cellulose Sponge (MCS)‐Based Cooling Media for Mitigating Microbial Cross‐Contamination in the Food Cold Chain

Abstract

Maintaining precise temperature control is vital for cold chain food transport, as temperature fluctuations can cause significant food safety and quality issues. During transport, ice that melts can promote the growth of microbes and their spread, resulting in microbial cross‐contamination. This study developed sustainable, non‐melting, self‐sanitizing “ice cubes” using food grade compositions including microporous cellulose sponges (MCS) and photosensitizers, aimed at enhancing temperature regulation and minimizing microbial contamination in the cold chain. Upon absorbing water, the MCS matched traditional ice in cooling efficiency and heat absorption and exhibit remarkable mechanical and thermal durability, withstanding multiple freeze‐thaw cycles and compressive stresses. The cationic MCS combined with erythrosine B demonstrated strong self‐sanitizing capabilities, effectively reducing microbial cross‐contamination in food models. Additionally, the release rates of photosensitizers from the MCS can be modulated by altering environmental ionic strength. This research offers viable solutions to address microbial cross‐contamination challenges in current cold chain systems.