Extended shelf life of melons using chitosan and graphene oxide‐based biodegradable bags

Abstract

In an attempt to minimize the plastic use, two biodegradable bags were evaluated for their effect on the conservation of melons. The bags were made of chitosan (2%) without and with the incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) (0.25%). The fruits were stored at 7°C and 90% RH during 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, followed for 6 days of shelf life at 23°C and 60% RH. GO nanoparticles improved the properties of chitosan-based films for decreasing water vapor permeability and microbiological growth and increasing tensile strength and Young's modulus. All packages preserved the physicochemical quality of fruits during storage, but only chitosan-based bag with the addition of GO was effective in keeping a better external appearance of fruits until the last day of storage. These findings suggest that chitosan-based bag incorporated with GO can be used commercially for prolonging the shelf life of melon fruits. Practical applications The preservation of foods should involve technologies that prevent incidence of microorganisms and minimize changes of quality attributes. Between these technologies, the modified atmosphere is one of the most used worldwide, as it effectively reduces the respiration of the fruits, reducing their metabolism and consequently extending their postharvest life. Modified atmosphere is usually created by the use of petroleum-based bags, but they are non-biodegradable and slow to decompose, causing several impacts on ecosystems and on human health. Thus, alternatives should be evaluated to replace petroleum-based bags, allowing the conservation of fruits and vegetables in an ecological way. Chitosan-based biodegradable bags with graphene oxide delayed the senescence of melons and preserved the external appearance of fruits during shelf life. Thus, these biodegradable bags can be explored as an alternative for the storage of fruits and vegetables, extending their postharvest shelf life.