Development of biodegradable fruit coating materials from agricultural byproducts

Abstract

Arabinoxylans (AX) was isolated from wheat straw, whereas and#946;-glucan (BG) was extracted from oat. The BG was further conjugated with lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic and oleic acid to prepare corresponding and#946;-glucan-fatty acid esters (BGFAs). The effect of BGFAs to AX films on the water barrier, optical and mechanical properties were investigated. The addition of BGFAs to AX films improved the functional properties of the films. The composite films based on arabinoxylan and and#946;-glucan stearic acid ester (SABG) exhibited most improved functional properties and found to be the best candidate as a biodegradable coating material. newlineFurther, the effect of composite coatings on the postharvest quality and storage life of apples (Royal Delicious and Rich Red) were studied at the different storage conditions. Application of both AX-SABG (1-4%) and shellac (1-4%) coatings on apples (Royal Delicious) was found to significantly effective in reducing weight loss, respiration rate, fruit softening, ripening index, color degradation, and polyphenol oxidase activity compared to control (uncoated apples) during the storage period for more than 30 days. Similarly, AX-SABG (1-2%) coatings maintain the postharvest quality of apples (Rich Red) up to 30 days storage period. However, an AX-SABG coating was found more effective in reducing fruit decay and aroma loss than shellac coated apples in both varieties. These findings confirmed the potential benefits of applying AX-SABG (1-2%) coatings to prolong the shelf life and quality of apples, especially during transportation and storage. newline