Cold Storage Research Articles

Green Order Sorting Problem in Cold Storage Solved by Genetic Algorithm

This study investigates the efficiency of cold storage warehouses and contributes to sustainable supply chain management by integrating eco-friendly practices into storage operations. In facilities for milk and its derivatives, unregulated order handling significantly increases energy consumption due to frequent door openings in the cooler. To address this challenge, we developed a novel mathematical model aimed at optimizing order sequences and minimizing energy costs, addressing a previously unexplored gap in the literature. A genetic algorithm (GA) was employed to solve this model, with careful consideration of carbon emissions generated during the algorithm’s execution. We utilized the Yates notation, an experimental design technique, to systematically optimize the GA’s parameters, ensuring robust and statistically valid results. This methodology enabled a thorough analysis of the factors influencing energy consumption. The findings enhance energy efficiency in cold storage warehouses, leading to reduced carbon dioxide emissions and fostering sustainable practices within supply chain management. Ultimately, this study successfully integrates green practices into cold storage operations, supporting broader sustainability objectives.

Fortification of yogurt with cloves extract

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of clove extract (CE: 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) on the viscoelasticity, viscosity, syneresis, texture, sensory quality, and antioxidant properties of set yogurt up to 21 days in cold storage. The addition of CE enlarged the total suspended solids (TSS) and mineral contents while reducing whey separation. On the other hand, CE existence dropped the consistency index (k) and elastic modulus (G’) of yogurt gels and further lessening was observed with prolonged storage period. Moreover, the textural firmness remained unaffected whereas gels that are more cohesive were attained with integration of CE. Similarly, total phenolics and free radical scavenging activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) by CE supplementation, and amplified lipid oxidation was observed with increased storage time. Addition of CE lowered the lightness (L*) index and manipulated the organoleptic properties whereas the sample with 1% CE showed improvement in texture and flavor; however, the overall acceptability reduced for samples with higher concentration of CE.

Effect of individual quick freezing treatment and cold storage on the host egg (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) quality for the production of the parasitoid Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae)

BackgroundThe augmentative release of the parasitoid species Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is essential for managing the recent invasion of litchi stink bugs (Tessaratoma papillosa (Drury)) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae) in Taiwan. The mass release program in the spring targets this univoltine pest’s reproduction cycle. Low-temperature storage for the host eggs and parasitoids is required to maximize the production for the annual release program. This study aimed to enhance the shelf life of Samia cynthia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) eggs using the combination of refrigeration and individual quick freezing (IQF) as a storage treatment. Storage of A. japonicus in the IQF-treated S. cynthia eggs was evaluated to determine the optimal production process during the short preparation window before the release.ResultsThe influences of cold storage and IQF treatment on the host eggs were evaluated for different storage durations. The host quality was determined according to the emergence rate and female ratio of A. japonicus. The study’s results demonstrated that the host quality of S. cynthia eggs did not change significantly compared to the control group after 28 d of refrigeration at 7 °C. IQF treatment extended S. cyathia’s shelf life to 5 months without significantly affecting the host quality. Applying IQF at different developmental stages of the host eggs affected the parasitism rates of A. japonicus. Significantly higher emergence rates of A. japonicus were recorded in the eggs treated during the initial development (D0 to D2). However, storing parasitoids in the IQF-treated eggs under the current storage condition for one month at 12 °C significantly impacted the parasitoid’s emergence rate.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the potential benefits of the individual quick freezing technique. This technique didn’t alter the egg quality of S. cynthia, a crucial factor for the mass production of A. japonicus. The IQF treatment extends the shelf life of the host eggs to 5 months when stored at − 20 °C, a significant improvement compared to the 4-week shelf life without IQF treatment. This technology offers a promising and efficient approach for the mass production of A. japonicus and supports field releases. The treatment allowed for the stockpiling of host eggs during the off-season, which can help expedite the mass production of A. japonicus to fit an eight-week production window.

Effect of hyperbranched poly-L-lysine and chitosan treatment on quality of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) during cold storage

Effect of hyperbranched poly-L-lysine and chitosan treatment on quality of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) during cold storage

Dual hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion of the liver reduces post transplant biliary complications - a retrospective cohort study.

Corroborating evidence for use of hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) prior to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) suggests a beneficial effect in regards to biliary complications. Here, we aim to evaluate whether perfusion via portal vein alone (sHOPE) or via additional perfusion of the hepatic artery (dHOPE) have diverging impact on outcomes after OLT when compared to use of static cold storage (SCS). Consecutive patients undergoing OLT at Medical University of Vienna (2018 to 2023) were retrospectively analyzed. Donor organs were procured using SCS, or subjected to end-ischemic sHOPE or dHOPE. Severity of biliary complications was classified according to degree of therapeutic intervention (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or surgical revision). 247 patients were included (69 SCS, 76 sHOPE, 102 dHOPE). Hospitalization was shorter for patients after HOPE (median in days: SCS=25 vs HOPE=20, P=0.019). Biliary complications were less frequent in patients after HOPE (SCS=37.7% vs HOPE=22.5%, P=0.015). A significantly lower incidence of surgical revisions for biliary complications was observed in the HOPE cohort (24.6% vs 11.8%, P=0.012). When evaluating outcome according to HOPE-modality, a significant reduction in biliary complications (P=0.006) and surgical revisions (P=0.002) was only observed in dHOPE patients in comparison to SCS. Further, only dHOPE was significantly associated with reduced need for surgical revision for biliary complications upon uni- and multivariable logistic regression (odds ratio=0.336, P=0.011). HOPE leads to a reduction of biliary complications and associated surgical revisions. This effect seems to be primarily associated with use of dHOPE, while both methods appear as feasible options for preconditioning of donor grafts prior to OLT.

Effect of beeswax and lemon grass oil on Alternaria alternata and post-harvest quality of bitter gourd during storage

ABSTRACT Alternative strategies are being utilised to extend the storage ability and preserve the quality of crops including bitter gourd. The present study was conducted to assess the potential of beeswax (BW) and lemongrass oil (LO) on the shelf life and Alternaria alternata disease of bitter gourd during cold storage. The experiment included the following treatments: (1) distilled water (control), (2) BW 5%, (3) BW 10%, (4) BW 5% + LO 0.5%, and (5) BW 10% + LO 0.5%. The bitter gourds were stored at 25°C for 15 days. The results revealed that BW 10% + LO 0.5% proved to be the best treatment followed by BW 5% + LO 0.5% and BW 10%. The BW 10% + LO 0.5% treatment exhibited inhibitory effects on mycelium growth, spore germination, disease incidence, and disease severity. It also reduced weight loss and ion leakage and conserved higher contents of titratable acidity, firmness, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content of bitter gourd. Overall, these results revealed that beeswax and lemon grass oil can be effectively utilised to inhibit Alternaria alternate disease and prolong the storage ability of bitter gourd fruit in a cost-effective and eco-friendly way.

Active Modified Atmosphere Packaging Helps Preserve Quality of Edible Flowers

Edible flowers are becoming increasingly popular as food products, since they give aroma, color, and visual appeal and are also health-promoting compounds. However, they are a highly perishable product, thus post-harvest technologies are needed to extend their marketability. In this study, active (N2: 100%) and passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technologies were applied to three edible flower species, namely Begonia grandiflora ‘Viking’, Tropaeolum majus, and Viola cornuta, stored at 4 °C. Even if the flowers’ quality decay occurred differently according to the species, active MAP better maintained petal colors and slowed down the edible flowers’ decay than passive MAP by decreasing flower respiration in all three species and sugars consumption in begonia; there was weight loss in nasturtium, and better preserved total phenolic content in begonia and viola. Coupling cold storage with active MAP can be an effective method to extend edible flowers’ post-harvest life.

Exogenous Melatonin as Pre- and Postharvest Application on Quality Attributes, Antioxidant Capacity, and Extension of Shelf Life of Papaya

Papaya is widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates due to its high yield potential and high returns. The vital hormone melatonin, regulating various biological processes in plants, is eco-friendly and less harmful to humans than other chemicals. This study aims to enhance the quality and antioxidant enzyme activities and lessen postharvest senescence in papaya cv. CO 8 fruits during both ambient (32 ± 2 °C and 55 ± 5% RH) and cold storage (10 ± 2 °C and 90–95% RH) as exogenous melatonin (EMT) is applied in varying concentrations. An optimum melatonin dose of 1.5 mM was applied as a pre-harvest spray 15 days before harvest and a postharvest dip proved effective in prolonging shelf life (under ambient it prolonged to day 9 and under cold storage up to 28 days) and delaying ripening and softening. Exogenous melatonin application enhanced antioxidant activity, reduced weight loss, maintained firmness, delayed ripening enzymes, and lowered ethylene and CO2 levels. For instance, control fruits had weight losses between 7.42% and 10.09%, while fruits treated with 1.5 mM melatonin showed 5.74% and 9.06% weight loss under ambient and cold storage, respectively. In conclusion, applying EMT (1.5 mM) could be an economically viable and environmentally benign way to lessen senescence after harvest and preserve the qualities of the papaya fruit during ambient and cold storage.

Melatonin Use in Post-harvest Fruit Physiology: Effect of Melatonin Treatments on Quality Properties, Primer and Seconder Metabolites Contents of Hawthorn Fruit During Cold Storage

Melatonin Use in Post-harvest Fruit Physiology: Effect of Melatonin Treatments on Quality Properties, Primer and Seconder Metabolites Contents of Hawthorn Fruit During Cold Storage

Preservation of coagulation function by normothermic machine perfusion in liver transplant as evidenced by thromboelastography parameters

The use of normothermic machine perfusion over static cold storage in liver transplantation has been shown to reduce post-transplant risks of early allograft dysfunction, primary nonfunction, and ischemic cholangiopathy, and its increasing use has played a role in the expanded utilization of marginal livers. While studies have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes utilizing normothermic machine perfusion over static cold storage preservation, real-time intraoperative data reflecting the quality and viability of normothermic machine perfusion livers is limited. This retrospective, single-center study compared normothermic machine perfusion vs static cold storage livers in first-time liver transplant recipients through the evaluation of synthetic coagulation function as measured by thromboelastography and conventional coagulation testing. Secondarily, transfusion utilization between the two cohorts were reviewed. 186 liver transplant recipients receiving allografts from donors after circulatory death were included in the study, of which 99 (53%) allografts were preserved in static cold storage, and 87 (47%) allografts were placed on the TransMedics Organ Care System. Study findings showed normothermic machine perfusion livers supported with the TransMedics Organ Care System were associated with increased synthetic coagulation function and less excess fibrinolysis in the post-reperfusion period compared to static cold storage livers, and that these findings were better reflected in real-time with thromboelastography monitoring vs conventional coagulation testing. Following reperfusion, there was a significant decrease in the transfusion of blood products in the normothermic machine perfusion group compared with that in the static cold storage group. Overall, we determined that the use of intraoperative thromboelastography can provide real-time data to assess one aspect of reperfusion liver quality and viability.

Polypropylene Packaged Ten Days Cold Stored Rose Cut Flowers cv. Bordeaux Influenced by Different Pulsing Solution

The study included different pulsing solution viz., water, HQC 200mg/l, sucrose 50g/l + HQC 200 mg/l, citric acid 200mg/l, α-lipoic acid 200mg/l, GA3 100 mg/l and BA 100mg/l to study the effect on flower quality and vase life of PP (polypropylene) packaged cold storage (at 2°C) rose cv. Bordeaux, for the period of 10 days. Pre-storage pulsing of GA3 100mg/l solution treatment showed highly promising results in extending flowers vase life along with maintained flower quality just after storage and at 4th DAS in vase life. Further, GA3 100mg/l solution treatment recorded significantly higher water up take (175.65 ml), change in fresh weight (10.50%) at 4th DAS, total dissolve solids (8.85 °brix, 8.05 °brix and 6.75 °brix) and membrane stability index (81.97 %, 65.97 % and 37.88 %) at 2nd, 4th and 6th DAS. Moreover, it was evident from the results that same treatment recoded significantly higher total soluble sugar (59.65 mg/g fresh weight), Estimated protein (18.79 mg/g fresh weight), catalase activity (20.42 µ mol H2O2 min-1 g-1 protein), peroxidation activity (40.30 µ mol H2O2 min-1 g-1 protein), pigment content (15.82 mg/g fresh weight) anthocyanin content in the petals at 4th DAS. Whereas, GA3 100 mg/l pulsing solution treated PP packaged cold stored rose cut flowers cv. Bordeaux recorded significantly higher vase life (6.88 days) which was at par with treatment P2 (Sucrose 50 g/l + HQC 200 mg/l).

Hyperspectral imaging of human liver allografts for prediction of initial graft function

PurposeIschemia reperfusion injury represents a significant yet difficult to assess risk factor for short- and long-term graft impairment in human liver transplantation (LT). As a non-invasive, non-ionizing tool, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is capable of correlating optical properties with organ microperfusion. Hence, we here performed a study of human liver allografts assessed by HSI for microperfusion and prediction of initial graft function.MethodsImages of liver parenchyma of 37 human liver allografts were acquired at bench preparation, during normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), if applicable, and after reperfusion in the recipient. A specialized HSI acquisition software computed oxygen saturation (StO2), tissue hemoglobin indices (THI), near infrared perfusion indices (NIR), and tissue water indices (TWI). HSI parameters were analyzed for differences with regard to preservation technique, reperfusion sequence and presence of early allograft dysfunction (EAD).ResultsOrgan preservation was performed by means of NMP (n = 31) or static cold storage (SCS; n = 6). Patients’ demographics, donor characteristics, presence of EAD (NMP 36.7% vs. SCS 50%, p = 0.6582), and HSI parameters were comparable between both groups of preservation method. In organs developing EAD, NIR at 1, 2, and 4 h NMP and after reperfusion in the recipient was significantly lower (1 h NMP: 18.6 [8.6–27.6] vs. 28.3 [22.5–39.4], p = 0.0468; 2 h NMP: 19.4 [8.7–30.4] vs. 37.1 [27.5–44.6], p = 0.0011; 4 h NMP: 26.0 [6.8–37.1] vs. 40.3 [32.3–49.9], p = 0.0080; reperfusion: 13.0 [11.5–34.3] vs. 30.6 [19.3–44.0], p = 0.0212).ConclusionHSI assessment of human liver allografts is feasible during organ preservation and in the recipient. NIR during NMP and after reperfusion might predict the onset of EAD. Larger trials are warranted for assessment of this novel technique in human LT.

Impact of pre-exposure stress on the growth and viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus in regular, buriti pulp and orange byproduct fermented milk products

The loss of probiotics viability in yogurts and fermented milk is a significant challenge in producing yogurt and fermented milk. Thus, pre-exposure of probiotics to stress conditions can be a viable alternative to increase the probiotic viability. Moreover, the use of fruit pulp and agro-industrial residues in these products has demonstrated promising results in promoting growth and improving the viability of probiotics. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of pre-exposure to acid, oxidative and osmotic stress on the growth and viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus in yogurts and naturally fermented milk containing buriti (Mauritia flexuosa Mart.) pulp or orange byproduct. L. acidophilus was individually pre-exposed to acid, oxidative, and osmotic stress and used in the production of yogurts and fermented milk to determine both the acidification profile and growth of the cultures. Furthermore, during cold storage, the post-acidification profiles and viability of microbial cultures added to the yogurts and fermented milk were monitored. Results showed that pre-exposure to stress conditions influenced the growth parameters as the growth rate (μ) and lag phase (λ) of L. acidophilus and the starter cultures of S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. Moreover, an increase in the viability of L. acidophilus - pre-exposed to acid stress - was observed on the 21st day of storage of natural yogurts containing orange byproduct compared with non-stressful conditions. This study reports new data on the growth of probiotic cultures pre-exposed to stress conditions in products added of pulps and agro-industrial residues, which have not yet been shown in the literature.

Optimization Strategies of Phase Change Materials Applied in Fruit Cold Chain: Apples Transportation of Freshippo

The current fruit cold chain in China faces problems such as low coverage of cold chain services, high turnover losses, and waste of resources. It has been found that novel temperature control technologies using phase change materials (PCM) can be applied to fruit cold chains but have not yet been widely adopted. This study attempts to predict the effectiveness of PCM in the two main stages of cold chain storage and transport based on real case scenarios. By assessing the economic, environmental, and social benefits achieved, this study examines whether PCM has practical value in optimizing the fruit cold chain for sustainable development. In this more detailed version, the study delves into the application of PCM technology in the fruit cold chain and its economic, environmental and social impacts. It presents additional case studies and theoretical discussions to provide more in-depth thinking and guidance for the sustainable development of the cold chain industry.

Smart Building, Nuisance Electrical Failure, Remote Monitoring and Fault Recovery System

Smart Buildings are the fastest growing buildings compared to conventional buildings and are expected to grow at a rate of 8.3% for the next decay. The global commercial building automation market was valued at US$32.96 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US76.49 billion by the year 2031. The implementation of technological advancement, demand for energy-efficient construction, low operational cost, and occupant comfortability have helped Smart Building to grow. However, Smart Buildings are still facing issues, from various sensor network diversity, clear definitions of Smart Buildings, and continuous smartness during full or partial electrical internal fault occurrence. This indicates the building is smart as long as a continuous power supply is present. Thus, this research study investigated Smart Building's drawbacks and designed a circuit to be a solution to one of the drawbacks to rectify the issues. The design provides full monitoring for real and nuisance failures and enables the performance of fault recovery procedures remotely. The circuit interfaces with the safety Residual Current Devices (RCD) and the wireless smart Wi-Fi-controlled socket outlets. Food industries, hotels, and restaurants could be the beneficiaries of this circuit. This is due to cold stores and fridges, which can lead to significant production loss/reduction when failure time increases.

Cold Storage Temperature Monitoring with Trilinear Interpolation

The Internet of Things (IoT) is widely applied in agriculture and in-dustry. This article proposes a 3-dimensional temperature monitoring model for cold storage, enhancing the ability to observe and detect abnormal temperature changes within the storage. Using real-time temperature acquisition and applying trilinear interpolation techniques, this model determines temperatures at all loca-tions in the storage. It accepts temperature values and sensor locations, appropri-ately segmenting the cold storage space to apply trilinear interpolation and deter-mine the temperature value at every location in the storage. The model was tested based on different number of sensors and different sensor locations. Based on that, we provide an optimal solution for the number of sensors needed for cold storage.

Ischemia‐Free Kidney Transplantation From Deceased Donor Kidneys: The First Retrospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ischemia‐free kidney transplantation (IFKT) in preventing ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI), a common complication associated with organ transplantation.MethodsTwelve kidneys were obtained from six donors and divided into two groups: the IFKT and the conventional kidney transplantation (CKT) group. The left kidneys underwent conventional cold perfusion and storage, while the right kidneys were procured using normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) to maintain uninterrupted blood supply. Perfusion parameters, metabolic and electrolyte parameters in the perfusate and urine, along with post‐transplant clinical data of the recipients, were collected for subsequent analysis.ResultsPerfusion flow rates varied from 100 to 300 mL/min under a pressure of 65 mmHg across different donor kidneys. Biochemical parameters such as the pH value, oxygen partial pressure, and electrolyte levels, including Na+ and K+ concentrations in the perfusate, remained stable within physiological ranges during NMP. Urine samples demonstrated significantly lower pH values, reduced Na+ concentrations, and elevated K+ concentrations compared to the perfusate, indicating effective kidney function in acid excretion, sodium retention, and potassium excretion during NMP. All patients survived, and the kidney grafts showed satisfactory function during the 12‐month follow‐up period. Clinical outcomes for recipients in the IFKT group were comparable to those in the CKT group, including similar rates of patient and graft survival at 1 year, as well as equivalent serum creatinine levels and eGFR at 1, 3, 6, and 12 post‐transplantation. Delayed graft function (DGF) occurred in one case (16.67%) from the same donor in both groups. One patient in the IFKT group experienced acute rejection, while no instances of primary graft nonfunction or other complications were observed in either group.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the kidneys maintained in a physiological environment through NMP exhibit stable function, and post‐transplant allograft function is comparable between IFKT and CKT. The IFKT procedure demonstrates both feasibility and safety, presenting a promising approach to effectively mitigating IRI in kidney transplantation.

Use of a Novel Whole Blood Separation and Transport Device for Targeted and Untargeted Proteomics.

There is significant interest in developing alternatives to traditional blood transportation and separation methods, which often require centrifugation and cold storage to preserve specimen integrity. Here we provide new performance findings that characterize a novel device that separates whole blood via lateral flow then dries the isolated components for room temperature storage and transport. Untargeted proteomics was performed on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and normal healthy plasma applied to the device or prepared neat. Significantly, proteomic profiles from the storage device were more reproducible than from neat plasma. Proteins depleted or absent in the device preparation were shown to be absorbed onto the device membrane through largely hydrophilic interactions. Use of the device did not impact proteins relevant to an NSCLC clinical immune classifier. The device was also evaluated for use in targeted proteomics experiments using multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. Intra-specimen detection intensity for protein targets between neat and device preparations showed a strong correlation, and device variation was comparable to the neat after normalization. Inter-specimen measurements between the device and neat preparations were also highly concordant. These studies demonstrate that the lateral flow device is a viable blood separation and transportation tool for untargeted and targeted proteomics applications.

Biomineralized Nuclear Receptor Protein-Selection Mass Spectrometry for the Discovery of Drugs and Toxics.

Protein-selection mass spectrometry is cost-effective for the discovery of drugs and toxics. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are major targets for pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals and are, thus, widely used as "bait" proteins. However, their application is limited due to the tendency to lose protein activity during cold storage. To address this problem, we introduced a novel biomineralization-based approach to preserve activity in NRs, exemplified by human retinoic acid receptor alpha (hRARα), a target for cancer and leucocythemia therapy. Since information on the coordination chemistry of metal ion and NR protein complexes is almost unavailable, we applied peptide mapping analysis for the first time for the rational design of his-hRARα-Co phosphate nanobiomaterial with high bioactivity. This nanobiomaterial successfully captured hRARα bioactive chemicals from a Chinese herb and environmental water and discovered an unsaturated fatty acid, (±)-(9Z,11E)-13-hydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid ((±)13-HODE), which exhibited strong hRARα antagonistic activity.

Association of SO2-Generating Pads before Packaging and during Cold Storage to Extend the Conservation of 'Italia' Table Grapes.

The SO2-generating pads contain different concentrations of sodium metabisulfite, which absorbs water from the grapes' transpiration, releasing SO2 gas, and there are slow-(SlowSO2) and dual (DualSO2)-releasing pads (fast release in the first 48 h and slow for up to 60 days). The ultra-fast SO2-generating pad (FieldSO2) releases the SO2 quickly for up to 6 h, and it was designed to be used soon after the harvest and until the grapes' packaging. The goal was to study the effect of FieldSO2 associated with SlowSO2 and DualSO2 pads on gray mold incidence and physicochemical and appearance characteristics of 'Italia' table grapes. Grapes were harvested from a commercial vineyard in Parana, Brazil, in 2020 and 2021, and packaged in cardboard boxes, and the treatments were as follows: control (without SO2-generating pads); FieldSO2 + SlowSO2; and FieldSO2 + DualSO2. After 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days of cold storage (1 ± 1 °C), the grapes were assessed for gray mold incidence, mass loss, shattered berries, stem browning, and filamentous fungi on the surface. The use of FieldSO2 associated with SO2-generating pads is effective in controlling gray mold on 'Italia' table grapes, especially the treatment FieldSO2 + DualSO2, which provides the lowest incidence of the disease up to 90 days of cold storage, while the combination with SlowSO2 results in intermediate efficacy. Treatments combining these SO2-generating pads extend the postharvest shelf life of 'Italia' grapes, with few shattered berries, low mass loss and freshness of the rachis without impairing the bunch's appearance.