Effects of chitosan coating enriched with cinnamon oil on qualitative properties of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Pullulan coating enhances postharvest quality retention and extends shelf life of Chinese plums by regulating enzymatic activity and gene expression related to ROS scavenging and cell wall metabolism

This study investigates the potential of 5 % pullulan (PUL)-based edible coating to extend the shelf life and maintain the postharvest quality of 'Furongli' plums stored at 25 ± 2 °C and 75-80 % relative humidity for 12 days. PUL-coated plums exhibited 31 and 72.7 % lower weight loss rate and disease incidence compared to uncoated plums after 12 days of storage, respectively. The coating significantly reduced oxidative stress markers, including MDA (22 %), H2O2 (25.3 %), and O2•- (25.1 %), while improving membrane integrity by reducing electrolyte leakage by 18 %. Additionally, the coating delayed carotenoid degradation by 81.3 % and preserved the fruit's visual appearance by reducing hue and chroma changes by 31.7 % and 30.8 %, respectively. Firmness was better maintained, along with reduced respiration and ethylene production in coated plums. Biochemical analysis revealed that PUL coatings enhanced antioxidant defense by increasing both the activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, and CAT) and maintained higher levels of ascorbic acid, total phenolics, flavonoids, and overall antioxidant activity. The coating preserved cell wall components like hemicellulose, cellulose, and protopectin while limiting increases in water-soluble pectin, thus delaying fruit softening. Additionally, PUL coating reduced activities and gene expression of pectin-degrading enzymes (PME and PG). Quality parameters, including TSS, TTA, and TSS-acid ratios, remained stable in coated fruits, ensuring better flavor and marketability. Overall, the study highlights the potential of PUL-based coatings for large-scale postharvest application, offering a sustainable and effective solution to extend fruit shelf life and reduce storage losses.

Application of atomic force microscopy in the characterization of fruits and vegetables and associated substances toward improvement in quality, preservation, and processing: nanoscale structure and mechanics perspectives

Fruits and vegetables are essential horticultural crops for humans. The quality of fruits and vegetables is critical in determining their nutritional value and edibility, which are decisive to their commercial value. Besides, it is also important to understand the changes in key substances involved in the preservation and processing of fruits and vegetables. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), a powerful technique for investigating biological surfaces, has been widely used to characterize the quality of fruits and vegetables and the substances involved in their preservation and processing from the perspective of nanoscale structure and mechanics. This review summarizes the applications of AFM to investigate the texture, appearance, and nutrients of fruits and vegetables based on structural imaging and force measurements. Additionally, the review highlights the application of AFM in characterizing the morphological and mechanical properties of nanomaterials involved in preserving and processing fruits and vegetables, including films and coatings for preservation, bioactive compounds for processing purposes, nanofiltration membrane for concentration, and nanoencapsulation for delivery of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of AFM for characterizing the quality of fruits and vegetables and the substances involved in their preservation and processing are examined, followed by a discussion on the prospects of AFM in this field.

Characterization of ultrasonic-assisted antifungal film loaded with fermented walnut meal on Rosa roxburghii Tratt during near-freezing temperature storage

Fermented walnut meal (FW) has antifungal activity against Penicillium victoriae, a fungus responsible for Rosa roxbughii Tratt spoilage. This study characterized and applied ultrasonic-assisted antifungal film loaded with FW to preserve R. roxbughii Tratt during near-freezing temperature (NFT). Results showed that O2 and CO2 transmission rates decreased by 80.02% and 29.05%, respectively, and antimicrobial properties were improved with ultrasound at 560 W for 5 min and 1% FW. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction results revealed ultrasound improved hydrogen bonds and inductive effect via ─NH, ─OH, and C═O bonds. The addition of FW led to the formation of CMCS-GL-FW polymer via C═O bond. Thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscope results demonstrated thermal degradation process was decomposed by ultrasound, and the internal structure of P. victoriae was accelerated by the addition of FW. Compared to the U-CMCS/GL group, the vitamin C content, peroxidase, and catalase activities of U-CMCS/GL/FW were enhanced by 4.24%, 8.52%, and 14.3% during NFT (-0.8 to -0.4°C), respectively. Particularly, the fungal count of the U-CMCS/GL/FW group did not exceed 105 CFU g-1 at the end of storage, and the relative abundance of P. victoriae decreased to 0.007%. Our findings provide an effective route for agricultural waste as natural antifungal compounds in the active packaging industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, the barrier and antimicrobial properties of film were successfully improved by ultrasonic treatment and loaded fermented walnut meal. The ultrasonic-assisted antifungal film loaded with fermented walnut meal effectively delayed the degradation of nutrients and reduced microbial invasion of Rosa roxburghii Tratt. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of agricultural waste in the food packaging industry.

Preparation and characterization of carvacrol/ε-polylysine loaded antimicrobial nanobilayer emulsion and its application in mango preservation

Carvacrol is well-known natural antimicrobial compounds. However, its usage in fruit preservation is restricted owing to poor water solubility. Our study aims to address this limitation by combining carvacrol with whey protein isolate (WPI) to form nanoemulsion and enhancing antimicrobial properties and stability of nanoemulsion through ε-polylysine addition, thereby improving their application in fruit preservation. The results indicated that the nanoemulsion exhibited a double-layer structure. The physicochemical properties and storage stability were found to be favorable under the conditions of WPI (0.3 wt% v/v), Carvacrol (0.5 % v/v), and ε-polylysine (0.3 wt% v/v). In addition, the nanoemulsion had inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger at concentrations of minimal inhibition concentration (32, 32, and 200 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, during a 7-day storage period, the nanoemulsion effectively preserved mangoes. Therefore, nanoemulsion could serve as a candidate for control of postharvest mangoes spoilage and extend its period of storage.

Gum tragacanth, a novel edible coating, maintains biochemical quality, antioxidant capacity, and storage life in bell pepper fruits

Bell pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) are prone to both physiological and pathological deterioration following harvest, primarily due to their high metabolic activity and water content. The storage of bell peppers presents several challenges, including weight loss, softening, alterations in fruit metabolites and color, increased decay, and a decline in marketability. The application of edible coatings (ECs) is one of the environmentally friendly technologies that improves many post-harvest quantitative and qualitative characteristics of products. This research investigated the impact of different levels of gum tragacanth (GT) coating (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2%) on the physiological and biochemical traits of stored bell pepper fruits (BPFs) (8 ± 1°C, 90-95% RH) for 28 days. The results showed the positive effect of coating treatments with higher concentrations of GT, up to 1%. Increasing the concentration of GT to 2% decreased the marketability and quality characteristics of fruits compared to 1% GT. After storage, the physiological weight loss of the fruits treated with 1% GT (10.46%) was lower than that of the uncoated fruits (18.92%). Furthermore, the coated fruits (1% GT) had more firmness, total phenol content, ascorbic acid, and titratable acidity content than uncoated fruits during storage. At the end of storage, the coated BPFs with 1% GT showed higher SOD (97.02 U g-1), CAT (24.38 U g-1) and POD (0.11 U g-1) activities and antioxidant capacity (81.74%) as compared to other treatments. Total soluble solids, total carbohydrates, total carotenoids, pH, malondialdehyde, and electrolyte leakage content increased in coated fruit during storage but were significantly lower than in uncoated fruits. Moreover, the samples coated with GT (1%) maintained good marketability (about 75%), while the marketability of the control (about 40%) was unacceptable. The study shows that GT (1%) coating can be a promising novel treatment option for increasing the storage quality of BPFs.

Enhancing Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Strawberries through Advanced Coating Technologies: A Comprehensive Investigation of Chitosan and Glycine Betaine Nanoparticle Treatments

The application of natural polymer-based coatings presents a viable approach to prolong the longevity of fruits and tissue damage. This study investigates the impact of treatments involving glycine betaine (GB), chitosan (CTS), and chitosan-coated glycine betaine nanoparticles (CTS-GB NPs) on preserving the quality and reducing decay in strawberry fruits. The fruits were subjected to treatments with GB (1 mM), CTS (0.1%), CTS-GB NPs (0.1%), or distilled water at 20 °C for 5 min, followed by storage at 4 °C for 12 days. The results indicate that CTS and CTS-GB NPs treatments resulted in the highest tissue firmness, total anthocyanin content, and ascorbate peroxidase activity, while exhibiting the lowest decay percentage and weight loss, as well as reduced malondialdehyde levels at the end of storage. GB, CTS, and CTS-GB NPs treatments demonstrated elevated catalase activity and antioxidant capacity, coupled with lower electrolyte leakage and hydrogen peroxide levels. These treatments did not significantly differ from each other but were markedly different from the control. The results substantiate that CTS and CTS-GB NPs treatments effectively preserve strawberry quality and extend storage life by bolstering antioxidant capacity and mitigating free radical damage.

A High-Efficiency Radio-Frequency-Assisted Hot-Air Drying Method for the Production of Restructured Bitter Melon and Apple Chips

Nowadays, consumers are increasingly demanding processed food products with high levels of beneficial components. Bitter melon and apple are both nutritious foods rich in bioactive compounds. In this study, restructured bitter melon and apple chips were processed using four drying techniques: hot-air drying with/without exhaust air recirculation (EAR), and radio-frequency-assisted hot-air drying (RFHAD) with/without EAR. The drying characteristics, effective moisture diffusivity (Deff), specific energy consumption (SEC), total energy consumption (TEC), and some selected quality characteristics of the dehydrated chips were evaluated. The experimental results show that the application of radio frequency (RF) energy significantly facilitates water evaporation in the drying material, resulting in a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of drying duration by 31~39% over the experimental test parameters. The higher Deff values obtained from RFHAD and RFHAD + EAR were 6.062 × 10-9 to 6.889 × 10-9 m2/s, while lower SEC values ranged from 301.57 to 328.79 kW·h/kg. Furthermore, the dried products possessed better or fairly good quality (such as a lower color difference of 5.41~6.52, a lower shrinkage ratio of 18.24~19.13%, better antioxidant capacity, higher chlorophyll, total flavonoid, and total phenolic content, a lower polyphenol oxidase activity of 49.82~52.04 U·min-1g-1, smaller diameter and thickness changes, and a lower hardness of 27.75~30.48 N) compared to those of hot-air-dried chips. The combination of RF-assisted air drying and partial recirculating of dryer exhaust air achieved the highest saving in TEC of about 12.4%, along with a lower moisture absorption capacity and no deterioration of product quality attributes. This drying concept is therefore recommended for the industrial drying of several food materials.

Enhancement of the Physical and Functional Properties of Chitosan Films by Incorporating Galla chinensis Extract

Composite films based on chitosan (CS) incorporating Galla chinensis extract (GCNE) at different CS/GCNE weight ratios, which are both biodegradable and multifunctional, were fabricated using the solution-casting method. The FTIR analyses indicated that a good interaction was presented among the GCNE and CS through an intermolecular hydrogen bond. The incorporation of the GCNE improved the films' elongation at break, UV-light blocking, and decreased the moisture regain (from 16.68% to 10.69%) and water absorption (from 80.65% to 54.74%). Moreover, the CS/GCNE films exhibited a strong antioxidant activity (from 57.11% to 70.37% of DPPH and from 35.53% to 46.73% of ABTS scavenging activities) mainly due to the high content of phenolic compounds in the incorporated GCNE. The CS/GCNE film-forming solution coatings demonstrated their effectiveness in preserving the quality of postharvest mangoes, specifically by minimizing the change in the firmness, weight loss, titratable acidity, and total phenolic and ascorbic acids. These findings suggest that the multifunctional composite films possess a high application potential to preserve postharvest fruits.

Applications of Plant Bioactive Compounds as Replacers of Synthetic Additives in the Food Industry

According to the Codex Alimentarius, a food additive is any substance that is incorporated into a food solely for technological or organoleptic purposes during the production of that food. Food additives can be of synthetic or natural origin. Several scientific evidence (in vitro studies and epidemiological studies like the controversial Southampton study published in 2007) have pointed out that several synthetic additives may lead to health issues for consumers. In that sense, the actual consumer searches for "Clean Label" foods with ingredient lists clean of coded additives, which are rejected by the actual consumer, highlighting the need to distinguish synthetic and natural codded additives from the ingredient lists. However, this natural approach must focus on an integrated vision of the replacement of chemical substances from the food ingredients, food contact materials (packaging), and their application on the final product. Hence, natural plant alternatives are hereby presented, analyzing their potential success in replacing common synthetic emulsifiers, colorants, flavorings, inhibitors of quality-degrading enzymes, antimicrobials, and antioxidants. In addition, the need for a complete absence of chemical additive migration to the food is approached through the use of plant-origin bioactive compounds (e.g., plant essential oils) incorporated in active packaging.

Advances in the concept of functional foods and feeds: applications of cinnamon and turmeric as functional enrichment ingredients

Spices are a rich source of vitamins, polyphenols, proteins, dietary fiber, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, all of which play an important role in biological functions. Since ancient times, spices have been used in our kitchen as a food coloring agent. Spices like cinnamon and turmeric allegedly contain various functional ingredients, such as phenolic and volatile compounds. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the nutritional profiles of cinnamon and turmeric, as well as to analyze the clinical studies on their extracts and essential oils in animals and humans. Furthermore, their enrichment applications for food products and animal feed have also been investigated in terms of safety and toxicity. Numerous studies have shown that cinnamon and turmeric have various health benefits, including the reduction of insulin resistance and insulin signaling pathways in diabetic patients, the reduction of inflammatory biomarkers, and the maintenance of gut microflora in both animals and humans. The food and animal feed industries have taken notice of these health benefits and have begun to promote cinnamon and turmeric as healthy foods. This has resulted in the development of new food products and animal feeds that contain cinnamon and turmeric as primary ingredients, which have been deemed an effective means of promoting cinnamon and turmeric's health benefits.

Prolonging the shelf life of fresh-cut guava (Psidium guajaya L.) by coating with chitosan and cinnamon essential oil

This study investigated the effect of a coating of chitosan (CH) and cinnamon essential oil (CEO; 0-1 %) on the quality attributes of fresh-cut guava (Psidium guajaya L.) during storage at 4 ± 1 °C for 17 days, with uncoated fresh-cut guava used as control. The CH coating significantly (p < 0.05) delayed changes in weight loss, firmness, colour, total soluble solids and titratable acidity compared to the control sample. Furthermore, the effects were more prominent with the incorporation of higher CEO concentrations. The bacterial, yeast and mould counts were also significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the CH-coated samples than in the control, with the coating containing 1 % CEO exhibiting the best quality preservation effect. In addition, CH and CEO coatings extended the shelf life of fresh-cut guava up to 17 days compared to the control sample (shelf life of only 3 days). In conclusion, combining CH and CEO as a coating matrix effectively preserves the quality and enhances fresh-cut guava's shelf life.

Physical and chemical properties of aloe-vera coated guava (Psidium guajava) fruit during refrigerated storage

Guavas (Psidium guajava) are regarded as one of the most perishable commodities, primarily owing to their climacteric characteristics and heightened metabolic processes, resulting in a faster rate of softening. Edible coating is a natural ingredient that is employed as an alternative to extend the shelf life of fruits while also providing bioactive and functional compounds. Aloe vera gel is predominantly used for this purpose due to its widespread availability. Various concentrations of aloe vera-based coating formulation (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were applied on fresh whole guava by dipping method. The guava was stored at a refrigerated condition (4°C) and weight loss, color, firmness, vitamin C, total phenol, and pH change were observed in this research. A significant effect of aloe vera coating was found over the storage period. Aloe vera treatment lowered the weight loss, and retarded the texture and color compared to the control sample throughout the 28 days of storage. Vitamin C and total phenol content remined high at 141.4 mg/100g and 219.6 mg GAE/100g respectively in a 100% aloe vera coated sample after 28 days of storage compared to the control. Among 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% aloe vera coated sample, 100% aloe vera was found to be the best coating material to prevent physical changes in fresh guava.

A Review of Regulatory Standards and Advances in Essential Oils as Antimicrobials in Foods

As essential oils (EOs) possess GRAS status, there is a strong interest in their application to food preservation. Trends in the food industry suggest consumers are drawn to environmentally friendly alternatives and less synthetic chemical preservatives. Although the use of EOs has increased over the years, adverse effects have limited their use. This review aims to address the regulatory standards for EO usage in food, techniques for delivery of EOs, essential oils commonly used to control pathogens and molds, and advances with new active compounds that overcome sensory effects for meat products, fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, seafood, dairy products, and other products. This review will show adverse sensory effects can be overcome in various products by the use of edible coatings containing encapsulated EOs to facilitate the controlled release of EOs. Depending on the method of cooking, the food product has been shown to mask flavors associated with EOs. In addition, using active packaging materials can decrease the diffusion rate of the EOs, thus controlling undesirable flavor characteristics while still preserving or prolonging the shelf life of food. The use of encapsulation in packaging film can control the release of volatile or active ingredients. Further, use of EOs in the vapor phase allows for contact indirectly, and use of nanoemulsion, coating, and film wrap allows for the controlled release of the EOs. Research has also shown that combining EOs can prevent adverse sensory effects. Essential oils continue to serve as a very beneficial way of controlling undesirable microorganisms in food systems.

Green synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles: Structural characterization and photoinduced antifungal activity against P. steckii

This study synthesized titanium dioxide (TiO₂ ) nanoparticles (NPs) from mango leaf extract and investigated the features and antibacterial capabilities of three different. The microscopic morphological observation, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy results showed that all three NPs showed agglomeration phenomenon, and the TN-1 sample existed as large agglomerates, whereas the agglomeration phenomenon of TN-3 sample was improved by the modified, without large agglomerates. The biosynthetic TN-2 and TN-3 NPs were spherical and uniform in size, whereas those of the TN-3 sample was the smallest, ranging from 10 to 30 nm. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy results exhibited that these were highly pure anatase NPs. The result of ultraviolet (UV)-visible-near-infrared spectral analysis showed that the TN-2 and TN-3 samples displayed higher UV absorption properties than the TN-1 samples and were highest in the modified NPs, which was more suitable for preparing chitosan-based nanocomposite material in future experiments and studies. The colony diameters of the TN-1, TN-2, and TN-3 treatment groups were 7.99, 7.80, and 6.86 mm, respectively, after 120 min of UV light induction at a wavelength of 365 nm. Significant differences were evident between the TN-3 and the other two groups (p < 0.05), indicating that the TN-3 sample more effectively inhibited Penicillium steckii than the other TiO₂ NPs. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Nanomaterials coated film preservation is widely used in fruit and vegetable preservation. In this paper, TiO₂ nanomaterials will be green synthesized using mango leaf and structurally characterized, whereas antibacterial tests will be conducted against the mango fruit-specific bacterium Penicillium steckii, which will provide a theoretical basis for the storage and preservation of mango.

Preparation, characterization, and antifungal property of the inclusion complex of Litsea cubeba essential oil/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and its application in preservation of Shatang mandarin

To explore the potential application of plant essential oil in the postharvest preservation of fruits, the inclusion complex (IC) of Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), prepared by the saturated aqueous solution method, was studied. LCEO/HPβCD-IC was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution, and thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) analysis. The formation of LCEO/HPβCD-IC was confirmed, and the volume average particle diameter was 24.376 µm. Due to the inclusion of HPβCD, the volatility of LCEO was significantly reduced and the thermal stability was significantly improved. In addition, the antifungal activities of the LCEO ICs were compared, and LCEO/HPβCD-IC was more effective against the citrus postharvest pathogens (P. italicum and G. citri-aurantii). The effects of the LCEO ICs on the postharvest quality of Shatang mandarin were studied. Compared with the control group (CK) and LCEO/βCD-IC group, the LCEO/HPβCD-IC group showed a significant delay in the decrease of good fruit rate, hardness, total soluble solids (TSSs), and Vitamin C (Vc) content, with a lower weight loss rate of Shatang mandarin. Therefore, LCEO/HPβCD-IC is expected to be used as a green preservative for the storage and preservation of citrus fruits. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, LCEO was encapsulated in HPβCD by the saturated aqueous solution method and the prepared inclusion complex was characterized. The effects of LCEO/HPβCD-IC and LCEO/βCD-IC on postharvest preservation of Shatang mandarin were compared. This work offers valuable insights into the postharvest preservation of citrus fruit by essential oil inclusion complexes.

Alleviation of postharvest chilling injury in sweet pepper using Salicylic acid foliar spraying incorporated with caraway oil coating under cold storage

The decrease in the postharvest quality of sweet peppers in terms of the physiological disorders resulting from cold storage (<7-10°C) results in the significant economic losses. The ability of pre-harvest foliar spraying of Salicylic acid (SA) (1.5 and 3 mM) and the postharvest caraway (Carum carvi) oil coating (0.3% and 0.6%) on chilling injury (CI) and the quality of stored sweet pepper at 4 ± 2°C for 60 d followed by an additional 2 d at 20°C were investigated. The antifungal activity of caraway oil (0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.6%) on Botrytis cinerea mycelia in in vitro showed that the maximum percentage of inhibition was equal to 95% in the medium with 0.6% of this oil. The CI of sweet pepper was significantly reduced by increasing SA, and caraway oil concentrations compared to the control, especially the lowest CI (14.36%), were obtained at 3 mM SA and 0.6% caraway oil treatment. The results showed a significant delay in the changes of weight loss (79.43%), firmness (30%), pH (6%), total soluble solids (TSS) (17%), titratable acidity (TA) (32%), and color surface characteristics and capsaicin content (5%) compared to control fruits at 3 mM SA and 0.6% caraway oil concentrations. Results indicated that the decrease in CI was related to a decrease in electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total phenolic production, decay incidence, and an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD). Thus, the incorporation of SA (3 mM) and caraway oil (0.6%) to reduce the CI of stored sweet pepper at low temperature can be considered a practical solution to improve the quality and marketability of this product.

Insights into the Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Amomum tsao-ko Essential Oils from Different Regions Based on GC-MS and GC-IMS

Chemical components are one of the most significant traits and attributes of plant tissues, and lead to their different functions. In this study, the composition of Amomun tsao-ko essential oils (AEOs) from different regions was first determined by a combination of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). In total, 141 compounds were identified, of which terpenes and aldehydes were the main groups. Orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) distinguished the samples from different regions clearly, and the main differences were terpenes, aldehydes, and esters. Meanwhile, AEOs showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) reached 0.20 mg/mL and 0.39–0.78 mg/mL, respectively. From correlation analysis, 1,8-cineole, (E)-dec-2-enal, citral, α-pinene, and α-terpineol were determined to be the potential antibacterial compounds. This study provides the basis for the variety optimization of A. tsao-ko and its application as a natural food preservative.

Development of antioxidant-rich edible active films and coatings incorporated with de-oiled ethanolic green algae extract: a candidate for prolonging the shelf life of fresh produce

The concept of sustainability and the substitution of non-biodegradable packaging using biodegradable packaging has attracted gigantic interest. The objective of the present study was to revalorize the biowaste "de-oiled green algae biomass (DAB)" of Dunaliella tertiolecta using a green approach and the development of biodegradable chitosan (CS)-based edible active biocomposite films and coatings for prolonging the shelf life of fresh produce. Ultrasound-assisted green extraction was conducted using food-grade solvent ethanol for obtaining the bio-actives, namely "crude algae ethanolic extract (CAEE)" from DAB. The edible films (CS/CAEE) and coating solutions were developed by incorporating CAEE with varying concentrations (0 to 28%). The CAEE was subjected to MALDI-TOF-MS, NMR, and other biochemical analyses, and was found to be rich in DPPH antioxidant activity (∼40%). The CS/CAEE films were fabricated using a solvent casting method and characterized by several biochemical and physicochemical (FESEM, TGA, FTIR, XRD, WVP, UTM, and rheological) characterization techniques. The addition of CAEE into the CS matrix reduced the maximum film transparency (∼20%), water vapor permeability (∼60%); improved the crystallinity (∼24%), tensile strength (∼25%), and antioxidant activity (∼27%); and exhibited UV-Vis blocking properties as compared to the control film. Besides, the developed coating solutions and CAEE showed biocompatibility with BHK-21 fibroblast cells and antimicrobial activity against common food pathogens. The developed coating solution was applied on green chilli using a dipping method and stored at ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C, 50-70 % RH) for 10 days. The shelf life of chillies was extended without altering the quality as compared to uncoated green chillies. Therefore, the formulated coating could be applicable for prolonging the shelf life of fresh produce.

Ripening-Induced Changes in the Nutraceutical Compounds of Differently Coloured Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Breeding Lines

To date, several research studies addressed the topic of phytochemical analysis of the different coloured pepper berries during ripening, but none discussed it in the case of purple peppers. In this study we examine whether the anthocyanin accumulation of the berries in the early stages of ripening could result in a higher antioxidant capacity due to the elevated amount of polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity was measured in four distinct phenophases of fruit maturity. Furthermore, the expression of structural and regulatory genes of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway was also investigated. An overall decreasing trend was observed in the polyphenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity of the samples towards biological ripeness. Significant changes both in between the genotypes and in between the phenophases were scored, with the genotype being the most affecting factor on the phytonutrients. An extreme purple pepper yielded outstanding results compared to the other genotypes, with its polyphenolic and flavonoid content as well as its antioxidant capacity being the highest in every phenophase studied. Based on our results, besides MYBa (Ca10g11650) two other putative MYBs participate in the regulation of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway.

Evaluation of cooking, nutritional, and quality characteristics of fresh-cut potato slice pretreated with acetic acid

Fresh-cut potato slices are very popular in the service of hot-pots. However, the gelatinized starch easily escaping from the potato cells during cooking causes the thickening of beef tallow or soup in the hot-pot. Thus, acetic acid is considered for solving the problem of potato slices. Besides, the nutritional and quality characteristics of potato slices are also evaluated in this study. Results show that 1.0%-1.5% (v/v) acetic acid treatment can decrease mass loss and starch digestion rate, and delay the degradation of ascorbic acid and deterioration of color and texture of potato slices. Such treatment also inhibits membrane oxidation and PPO activity, and increase the total phenolic accumulation of potato slice in 7-day storage. The cell wall integrity of the potato slice is strengthened by acetic acid treatment, providing a strategy for the improvement of the boiling resistance of potato slice, and endowing potato slice with the digesting resistance. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Acid pretreatment would cause the intensification of potato cell wall, which finally decrease the in vitro digestibility through decrease of leakage of gelatinized starch from potato cell and the contact between gelatinized starch and digesting enzyme. This observation proved that the integrity of cell structure in vegetable is important for their processing quality improvement (especially for their hardness improvement after heating or fermentation).

CFB box wrapping: a new shrink wrapping technology for extension of storage life of colour capsicum (cv. Bachata)

Capsicums lose water very rapidly after harvest and the moisture loss causes severe shriveling making them unmarketable within 2-3 days. The moisture loss occurs even under low temperature conditions, though at lesser rates. Bell peppers packed in corrugated fiber board boxes (CFB) tend to lose moisture continuously as these boxes are permeable to both water vapour and respiratory gases even if they are non-ventilated. To reduce the moisture loss and maintain freshness, yellow colour capsicum (cv. Bachata) were packed in CFB boxes and over wrapped with different semi-permeable films using shrink wrapping technology. This box shrink wrapping significantly lowered the weight loss and maintained firmness of capsicum at ambient (25.7-33.2 °C and 25-63% RH) and low temperature (8 °C ± 0.5 and 80 ± 5% RH) conditions. Yellow colour capsicums packed in this way could be stored for 11 days at ambient temperature with a weight loss of < 6% as compared to about 20% weight loss in non-wrapped fruits. The storage life could be extended to 5 weeks by storing these shrink wrapped boxes at 8 °C without any shriveling and with a weight loss of < 5%. In addition to maintaining high humidity, the lower O2 and higher CO2 levels maintained surrounding the produce in the wrapped boxes helped to avoid shriveling and to retain the quality in terms of surface colour, firmness and other quality traits. The absorption of excessive relative humidity by CFB itself in the over wrapped boxes helped in avoiding condensation of water droplets. This in turn avoided the development of fungal growth and thus the risk of fruit decay.

Matlodextrin-cinnamon essential oil nanoformulation as a potent protective against titanium nanoparticles-induced oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and reproductive disturbances in male mice

Recently, bio-nanofabrication becomes one of the widest methods for synthesizing nanoparticles (NPs); however, there is scanty literature exploring the toxicity of these green NPs against living organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective role of encapsulated cinnamon oil (ECO) against titanium oxide nanoparticle (TiO2NP)-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, chromosomal aberration, and reproductive disturbances in male mice. Sixty male Balb/c mice were distributed into six groups treated orally for 3 weeks and included control group, TiO2NP-treated group (25 mg/kg b.w), ECO at low or high dose-treated groups (50 or 100 mg/kg b.w), and the groups that received TiO2NPs plus ECO at a low or high dose. The results of GC-MS revealed the isolation of 21 compounds and the majority was cinnamaldehyde. The average size zeta potential of TiO2NPs and ECO were 28.9 and 321 nm and -33.97 and -17.35 mV, respectively. TiO2NP administration induced significant changes in liver and kidney function, decreased antioxidant capacity, and increased oxidative stress markers in liver and kidney, DNA damage in the hepatocytes, the number of chromosomal aberrations in the bone marrow and germ cells, and sperm abnormalities along with histological changes in the liver, kidney, and testis. Co-administration of TiO2NPs and ECO could alleviate these disturbances in a dose-dependent manner. It could be concluded that ECO is a promising and safe candidate for the protection against the health hazards of TiO2NPs.

Chitosan-Phenylalanine Nanoparticles (Cs-Phe Nps) Extend the Postharvest Life of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) Fruits under Chilling Stress

There are high levels of damage imposed on persimmon fruit postharvest, especially after storing it in cold storage, which causes chilling injury (CI). To reduce this stress on the fruit, the conventional way is to use chemical treatments. Since there is a limitation in the use of chemical materials, it is necessary to apply non-harmful treatments to decrease chilling injury and maintain the quality of persimmon in cold storage. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of chitosan-loaded phenylalanine nanoparticles (Cs-Phe NPs) (2.5 and 5 mM) on physiochemical and quality factors of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) during 45 days of storage at 4 °C (38 °F) and evaluate the impact of Cs-Phe NPs on the preserving quality in order to reduce the chilling injury of this fruit. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications. Treatments were applied at 15, 30, and 45 days after storage at 4 °C with ≥90% relative humidity. The size of Cs-Phe NPs was less than 100 nm, approximately. The results showed that application of 5 mM of Cs-Phe NPs delayed the negative effects of chilling stress and enhanced antioxidant capacity, firmness, and total soluble solids of persimmon fruit. Lower H2O2 and malonaldehyde (MDA) accumulation along with higher soluble tannin and total carotenoid accumulation in persimmon fruit treated with 5 mM Cs-Phe NPs was also observed. Fruit coated using Cs-Phe NPs in both concentrations (2.5 and 5 mM) showed the highest antioxidant enzyme activity for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and the lowest for polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and chilling injury during storage. According to our results, 5 mM of Cs-Phe NPs could be considered as the best treatment under chilling-stress conditions.

Shelf-life extension of pomegranate arils using chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Satureja hortensis essential oil

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted in two parts to improve the antimicrobial activity and stability of Satureja hortensis essential oil (SEO) and its impacts on the quality of pomegranate arils. In the first part, SEO was encapsulated by an ionic gelation technique into 142.2-267.7 nm chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs). In the second part of the experiment, the CSNPs and CSNPs-SEO were applied to improve storability of pomegranate arils. Arils were dipped in water (control), CSNPs and CSNPs-SEO for 5 min. After superficial water removal, arils were packed into polystyrene boxes and stored at 5 °C for 18 days.

RESULTS

Based on spectrophotometry analysis, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of SEO-loaded CSNPs (CSNPs-SEO) decreased from 26.57% to 7.41% and their loading capacity (LC) increased from 4.72% to 6.17%, respectively, upon increasing the initial SEO content from 0.125 to 0.5 g g^-1 of chitosan. Phytochemicals and water content were maintained, and microbial counts were reduced in the coated arils during storage. Total phenol and antioxidant activity decreased during storage. At the end of storage, the highest total phenol content (2980.0 mg gallic acid equivalents L^-1 ) was found in arils treated with CSNPs-SEO, whereas ascorbic acid content was maximal (6.32 mg L^-1 ) in arils treated with CSNPs. The encapsulation of savory essential oil in chitosan nanoparticles did not have undesirable effects in pomegranate arils.

CONCLUSION

Pre-storage treatment of pomegranate arils with CSNPs-SEO could be considered a beneficial treatment to better maintain the biochemical and sensorial quality during storage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Chitosan–Pullulan Composite Edible Coating Functionalized with Pomegranate Peel Extract on the Shelf Life of Mango (Mangifera indica)

The polysaccharide based composite biomaterial (coating) used in preserving fruits and vegetables during storage is attracting increased attention as it is biodegradable material that prolongs shelf life. In the present investigation, chitosan–pullulan (50:50) composite edible coating was prepared with pomegranate peel extract (0.02 g/mL) as an active antioxidant agent. The effect of treatment with pomegranate peel extract enriched chitosan–pullulan composite edible coating on the shelf life of mango fruits during 18 days of storage period at room (23 °C) and cold (4 °C) temperature was evaluated. Results of the present study demonstrated that the application of chitosan–pullulan composite edible coating significantly (p ≤  0.05) influences the storage life of mango fruits at both storage temperatures. The chitosan–pullulan composite edible coating reduced the physiological loss in weight (PLW), and maintained total soluble solids (TSS), acidity and pH of coated mango fruits as compared to the control. In addition, fruit sensory quality such as freshness, color, taste and texture were also retained by the treatment. Furthermore, sustained firmness, phenolic content and antioxidant activity confirmed the effectiveness of the pomegranate peel extract enriched chitosan–pullulan composite edible coating on mango fruits. The phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activity of coated fruits were retained by pomegranate peel rich edible coating. Therefore, the chitosan–pullulan (50:50) combination with pomegranate peel extract can be used as an alternative preservation method to prolong the shelf life of mango fruits at room and cold storage conditions. However, more in-depth studies are required at farm and transit level without affecting the postharvest quality of mango fruits, providing more revenue for farmers and minimizing postharvest losses.

Effect of Chitosan/Nano-TiO2 Composite Coating on the Postharvest Quality of Blueberry Fruit

Blueberries are a rich source of health-promoting compounds such as vitamins and anthocyanins and show a high antioxidant capacity. Thus, considerable commercial and scientific interest exists in prolonging its postharvest life to meet the year-round demand for this fruit. In this investigation, the effect of a chitosan-based edible coating, as well as a chitosan-based edible coating containing nanosized titanium dioxide particles (CTS-TiO2), on the postharvest quality of blueberry fruit quality was evaluated during storage at 0 °C. The blueberries were treated with a chitosan coating (CTS) and a CTS-TiO2 composite, respectively. The most suitable chitosan and nano-TiO2 fraction concentrations to be incorporated in the coating formulation were prepared based on the wettability of the corresponding coating solutions. Changes in firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid (VC), malondialdehyde (MDA), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD) activities, anthocyanins, flavonoids, total phenolic content, and microbiological analysis were measured and compared. This combined treatment prevented product corruption. Compared with CTS, the CTS-TiO2 composite coating application effectively slowed down the decrease in firmness, TSS, VC, and TA in the blueberries. Additionally, changes in the total polyphenol, anthocyanin, and flavonoid contents and the antioxidant capacity of CTS-TiO2 composite coating blueberry fruits were delayed. Therefore, these results indicated that the chitosan/nano-TiO2 composite coating could maintain the nutrient composition of blueberries while playing a significant role in preserving the quality of fruit at 0 °C.

Chitosan and Derivatives: Bioactivities and Application in Foods

Chitosan is a biodegradable, biocompatible, and nontoxic aminopolysaccharide. This review summarizes and discusses the structural modifications, including substitution, grafting copolymerization, cross-linking, and hydrolysis, utilized to improve the physicochemical properties and enhance the bioactivity and functionality of chitosan and related materials. This manuscript also reviews the current progress and potential of chitosan and its derivatives in body-weight management and antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory activities as well as their ability to interact with gut microbiota. In addition, the potential of chitosan and its derivatives as functional ingredients in food systems, such as film and coating materials, and delivery systems is discussed. This manuscript aims to provide up-to-date information to stimulate future discussion and research to promote the value-added utilization of chitosan in improving the safety, quality, nutritional value and health benefits, and sustainability of our food system while reducing the environmental hazards.

Atomic force microscopy in food preservation research: New insights to overcome spoilage issues

A higher level of food safety is required due to the fast-growing human population along with the increased awareness of healthy lifestyles. Currently, a large percentage of food is spoiled during storage and processing due to enzymes and microbial activity, causing huge economic losses to both producers and consumers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), as a powerful scanning probe microscopy, has been successfully and widely used in food preservation research. This technique allows a non-invasive examination of food products, providing high-resolution images of surface structure and individual polymers as well as the physical properties and adhesion of single molecules. In this paper, detailed applications of AFM in food preservation are reviewed. AFM has been used to provide comprehensive information in food preservation by evaluating the spoilage with its related structure modification. By utilizing AFM imaging and force measurement function, the main mechanisms involved in the loss of food quality and preservation technologies development can be further elucidated. It is also capable of exploring the activities of enzymes and microbes in influencing the quality of food products during storage. AFM provides comprehensive solutions to overcome spoilage issues with its versatile functions and high-throughput outcomes. Further research and development of this novel technique in order to solve integrated problems in food preservation are necessary.

Chitosan nanoparticles as edible surface coating agent to preserve the fresh-cut bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum (L.) Sendt)

This work synthesized chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) by ionic gelation method using sodium tripolyphosphate pentabasic (STPP) and applied as nano-coating agent to extend the shelf life of fresh cut bell pepper (FCP) by preventing the microbial contaminations. The CSNPs were spherical shaped and 22.55 ± 1.69 d.nm sized with ζ-potential of 45.10 ± 1.42 mV confirmed by UHR-SEM, FE-TEM, and ζ-potential size analyses. The crystallinity and functional group changes were determined by XRD and FT-IR analyses respectivelly. The antioxidant activity of CSNPs was determined in terms of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities. The 1% and 3% of CSNPs were found to be minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) respectively against all tested bacteria. The MBC of CSNPs was exhibited the promising anti-biofilm activity. Therefore, the 3% of CSNPs was used to prepare the chitosan nano-coating (CSNC), and applied on surface of FCP to prevent the microbial contaminations such as fungi, bacteria including Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica. The experimental results showed that the application of CSNC was maintained the FCP for 12 days at 5 °C without loss of weight, and sensory quality.

Modified Atmosphere and Humidity Film Reduces Browning Susceptibility of Oriental Melon Suture Tissue during Cold Storage

Oriental melons have a relatively short shelf life as they are harvested during the summer season and susceptible to cold-induced injuries. Typical chilling injury when stored at 4 °C is expressed as browning of the fruit suture. To prolong the shelf life and reduce browning of the fruit, the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), X-tend modified atmosphere (MA)/modified humidity (MH) bulk packaging (XF), and polyethylene (PE) packaging, on oriental melons were investigated during storage at 4 °C and 10 °C for 14 days and under retail display conditions at 20 °C. The O₂ concentrations in PE packages stored at 4 °C and 10 °C ranged from 17.4 to 18.5%, whereas those in XF packages were reduced to 16.3–16.6%. The CO₂ content of XF package (4.2–4.6%) was higher than that of PE package (1.4–1.9%) stored at 4 °C or 10 °C. Relative humidity (RH) saturated in the PE packages but not in the XF packages after seven days of storage. Furthermore, PE packages performed better at maintaining melon weight and firmness than XF packages during storage at 10 °C for 14 days and under retail display conditions at 20 °C. PE and XF packages effectively reduced the browning index of the peel and white linear sutures of oriental melons compared with the unpackaged control during cold storage at 4 °C, and this observation was maintained at the retail display condition at 20 °C. The enhanced CO₂ levels, reduced O₂ levels, and optimal RH values that were provided by the MAP, prevented the browning symptoms, and improved the marketability and shelf life of oriental melons.

Funcionalización de los recubrimientos a base de quitosano para la conservación postcosecha de frutas y hortalizas

En años recientes, se ha buscado el desarrollo y aplicación de recubrimientos comestibles que sean seguros, biodegradables y con adecuadas propiedades tecnológicas y funcionales que ayuden a extender la vida de anaquel de frutas y hortalizas. El quitosano es uno de los biomateriales con mayor potencial para la elaboración de recubrimientos comestibles. Sin embargo, su principal desventaja es la alta permeabilidad al vapor de agua que exhibe, por lo que, una alternativa para mitigar esta limitante, es su funcionalización mediante la incorporación de compuestos orgánicos (aceites esenciales, extractos naturales, ácido ascórbico, hidrolizados de proteína, polisacáridos) e inorgánicos (SiO2, TiO2, ZnO, Ag y montmorillonita), además, de la adición de microorganismos (levaduras) a la matriz polimérica. El quitosano funcionalizado, aplicado a productos hortofrutícolas, ha mostrado mejores resultados (mayor vida de anaquel y cambios mínimos en parámetros de calidad) que los obtenidos al emplear quitosano sin funcionalizar. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir y discutir los beneficios y limitaciones de la funcionalización del quitosano y su aplicación en productos hortofrutícolas.