Polysaccharide-Based Active Coatings Incorporated with Bioactive Compounds for Reducing Postharvest Losses of Fresh Fruits

Khursheed Ahmad Shiekh,Kittaporn Ngiwngam,Wirongrong Tongdeesoontorn

doi:10.3390/coatings12010008

Khursheed Ahmad Shiekh, Kittaporn Ngiwngam + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12010008

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Journal: Coatings	Publication Date: Dec 22, 2021
Citations: 24	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Mae Fah Luang University

Abstract

This review reports recently published research related to the application of polysaccharide-based biodegradable and edible coatings (BECs) fortified with bioactive compounds obtained from plant essential oils (EOs) and phenolic compounds of plant extracts. Combinations of polysaccharides such as starches, pectin, alginate, cellulose derivatives, and chitosan with active compounds obtained from clove, lemon, cinnamon, lavender, oregano, and peppermint have been documented as potential candidates for biologically active coating materials for retardation of quality changes in fresh fruits. Additionally, polysaccharide-based active coatings supplemented with plant extracts such as cashew leaves, pomegranate peel, red roselle, apple fiber, and green tea extracts rich in phenolic compounds and their derivatives have been reported to be excellent substituents to replace chemically formulated wax coatings. Moreover, EOs and plant polyphenolics including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones phenols, organic acids, terpenes, and esters contain hydroxyl functional groups that contribute bioactivity to BECs against oxidation and reduction of microbial load in fresh fruits. Therefore, BECs enriched with active compounds from EOs and plant extracts minimize physiological and microbial deterioration by reducing moisture loss, softening of flesh, ripening, and decay caused by pathogenic bacterial strains, mold, or yeast rots, respectively. As a result, shelf life of fresh fruits can be extended by employing active polysaccharide coatings supplemented with EOs and plant extracts prior to postharvest storage.

Highlights

Received: 1 November 2021Fresh fruits containing essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are consumed worldwide in part because of their strong antioxidant potential against chronic diseases [1]
Multilayer coating consisted of inner carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and outer chitosan embedded with glycerol, oleic acid, and stearic acid, delayed ripening and reduced quality losses of mandarins compared to synthetic waxes
biodegradable and edible coatings (BECs) fortified with essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts as active coating materials could extend the postharvest shelf life of coated fruits to achieve longer storage periods

Summary

Introduction

Received: 1 November 2021Fresh fruits containing essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are consumed worldwide in part because of their strong antioxidant potential against chronic diseases [1]. Fresh fruit packaging materials after single use are disposed of in the environment. The application of synthetic and non-biodegradable polymer-tailored packaging materials for fresh fruit has raised potentially alarming consequences for the environment [2]. Conventional packaging materials such as glass, wood, aluminum, tin, and paper have been employed as fresh fruit containers to prevent mechanical damage during bulk transportation [3]. Synthetic packaging materials used for fruits may lack the optimum oxygen and moisture barrier properties to maintain their postharvest quality in the markets [5]. The production of synthetic packaging materials may directly have an impact on the sustainability of non-renewable petroleum-based resources [6]

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