Postharvest Quality Improvement of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Fruit Using a Nanomultilayer Coating Containing Aloe vera

Application of Chitosan and Its Derivatives in Postharvest Coating Preservation of Fruits

Postharvest preservation of fruits is one of the key issues in the current agriculture and food processing industry. Surface coating treatment, a promising technology for postharvest fruit preservation, has gathered significant attention due to its ability to reduce water loss, regulate gas exchange, and inhibit respiration, thereby achieving postharvest fruit preservation. Among them, chitosan-based coating has a wide application prospect due to its superior film-forming capability, high biosecurity, wide range of sources, etc. This review summarizes the structural features, physicochemical properties, modification strategies, and preservation mechanisms of chitosan-based coatings, focusing on their applications in postharvest fruit storage. Unlike prior works, it highlights advanced modifications (e.g., nanocomposite, multifunctional grafting) that enhance antimicrobial activity, mechanical strength, and environmental adaptability. Challenges in fruit preservation-such as microbial resistance and stability-are analyzed, with solutions proposed via material innovation. The discussion on industrial scalability emphasizes chitosan's biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with sustainable agriculture, while addressing technical bottlenecks. This work bridges fundamental research and practical use, advancing chitosan-based coatings toward greener, safer, and scalable postharvest solutions.

Global insights and advances in edible coatings or films toward quality maintenance and reduced postharvest losses of fruit and vegetables: An updated review

Transitioning to safe, nonthermal, and edible strategies for maintaining fruit and vegetable (F&V) quality, reducing postharvest losses (up to 55% annually), and ensuring food security requires extensive research and innovation in postharvest technologies. This review aims to provide an updated understanding of edible coatings or films (ECF), focusing on their role in reducing F&V postharvest losses, based on data from the last 40 years retrieved from the Web of Science database. The global ECF research network is represented by publication trends, majorly researched F&V, key research areas, influential and emerging authors, and global research ranking. The role of ECF in preserving F&V quality has been assessed by examining critical quality parameters, including weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ripening, softening, sensory and organoleptic characteristics, browning, chilling injury, and microbial safety. Furthermore, recent advancements in ECF formulations, including nanoscale ingredients and application methodologies, have been critically discussed. Sources, categorization, application strategies, mode of action, functional properties, sustainable development goals (SDGs), challenges, safety, legislations, and future perspectives in ECF research have also been discussed. The key findings indicate that China (20.34%) and the USA (9.94%) are the leading countries in ECF research. Studies have demonstrated ECF's potential in reducing F&V postharvest losses by maintaining quality parameters through advanced nanoscale compositions and methodologies. Notably, ECF research supports multiple SDG targets, including SDGs 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 15. Future ECF research should explore 3D-printed coatings, nonflavor-altering components, and potential crosslinking agents to enhance F&V quality and reduce postharvest losses.