Development of coating material for the shelf life improvement of fruit

Abstract

Fruits are one of the most important horticulture commodities worldwide due to its organoleptic and nutritional properties. Due to limited availability of cold chain facilities especially during storage and transportation, development of biodegradable coatings to prolong the shelf life of fruits is the high priority in this research area. In this study, Arabinoxylan (AX) and cellulose were extracted from wheat straw, whereas starch was extracted from potato peel. Further, cellulose and starch were esterified with lauric, myristic, palmitic and stearic acids to prepare corresponding cellulose (CFAs) and starch fatty acid esters (SFAs). The addition of CFAs and SFAs to AX significantly affected the film microstructure and other functional properties of the composite films. The composite films based on arabinoxylan and stearic acid cellulose esters (SAC)/stearic acid starch esters (SAS) exhibited most improved functional properties and found to be the best candidate as a coating material. Further, the effect of composite coatings (AX-SAC and AX-SAS) containing 0.1% cinnamon bark oil on the postharvest quality and storage life of guavas (Khaja, i.e., Bengal Safeda) were studied at 24°C and 85% RH. Application of antimicrobial composite coatings (AX-SAC 1-4%and AX-SAS 1-4%) and carnauba wax (1-4%) were found to reduce significantly the respiration rate, ethylene production rate, weight loss, color degradation, the process of fruit softening, ripening index and enzymatic activity (PPO and POD) as compared to the uncoated guavas during the storage period. However, antimicrobial AX-SAC and AX-SAS composite coating were more effective in reducing microbial spoilage and retaining aroma volatiles compared to both uncoated and carnauba wax coated guavas. These findings revealed that antimicrobial AX-SAC and AX-SAS composite coatings have the potential to improve the postharvest storage life and quality of guavas specifically during transportation and storage. newline