Prolonged Shelf Life Research Articles

Fabricating chitosan/low-density polyethylene (CS-LDPE) films and its efficacy to prolong shelf life of rainbow trout fish

This study aimed to explore how fabrication methods can influence surface morphology, physical, and mechanical characteristics of chitosan and low-density polyethylene (CS-LDPE) films to fulfill requirements of sustainable food packaging. The efficacy of CS-LDPE film for improving shelf life of rainbow trout fish products was also investigated. The field emission scanning electron microscopy assessment revealed that employing the two-step fabrication approach in the presence of grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) as a compatibilizer modified the surface morphology of the films, implying a better miscibility of constituents. Adding chitosan adversely influenced the thermal, mechanical, and morphological characteristics of the CS-LDPE films, which were mitigated by reducing chitosan size and application of 10 % PE-g-MA compatibilizer. According to the experimental assessments, two-step fabricated films consisting of 15 % chitosan and 10 % grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) was the best sustainable composite displaying the closest properties compared with the conventionally utilized LDPE films. Exploring several biochemical indices, including pH, peroxide level, membrane integrity (TBARS), free fatty acids (FAAs), and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) manifested that packaging fish samples with CS-LDPE improved the shelf life. The most pronounced differences between two packaging types were observed in the sixth day of storage time. Moreover, total viable count, Pseudomonas spp. count, and Enterobacteriaceae count markers revealed that the employing CS-LDPE film declined in the microbial proliferation rate, thereby prolonging shelf life of fishes. This study underlined the significance of CS-LDPE films to fulfilling needs for sustainable food packaging, conferring competitive advantage, and prolonging the food shelf life.

Gamma irradiation with modified atmosphere packaging extend shelf life of mangoes cv. Himsagar

Irradiation technology has been in use to prolong shelf life and reduces postharvest losses of agricultural produce in many parts of the world as a safe and commercial option for its high efficacy and safety. The research was carried out at the Postharvest Laboratory of Horticulture Division, BINA during the period from June to July 2021 following completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications of 8 fruits per replication. The preharvest bagged and unbagged mangoes (cv. Himsagor) were collected from Bagha Upazila of Rajshai District. Different doses of gamma irradiation (0, 200, 400, and 600 Gy) were applied, and the irradiated mangoes were wrapped in polypropylene (PP) bags of 35μ thickness along with a control treatment to evaluate shelf life and quality at ambient condition. Parameters investigated were colour, texture, TSS, weight loss, disease incidence, disease severity, and vitamin C content during the period of storage. In terms of combined effect of preharvest bagging and gamma irradiation at the 12th day after storage, the minimum weight loss (3.92%), disease incidence (11.00%) and disease severity (8.61%) were found from pre-harvest bagged mangoes when irradiated @ 400 Gy and wrapped in PP bags. In contrast, the maximum weight loss (18.18%), disease incidence (80.00%) and disease severity (74.67%) were found from the preharvest non-bagged and non-irradiated mangoes that were not wrapped. The findings would greatly contribute in reducing postharvest loss of mangoes and maintain their quality during marketing at ambient condition.
 Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(1): 11-22, 2023

Effect of drying agents on quality parameters of lyophilized persimmon purée powder

Persimmon juice has good nutritional composition and high antioxidant properties, however it requires more packing space because of large volume and has limited shelf-life. The research objective was to produce persimmon purée powder with prolonged shelf-life by using various concentrations of drying agents (maltodextrin and Arabic gum).
 The control sample was persimmon purée powder without drying agents. Experimental samples included powders with maltodextrin (40, 45, and 50%), Arabic gum (25, 30, and 35%), and the mix of maltodextrin (40%) and Arabic gum (10%). All the experimental samples contained 1% of tri-calcium phosphate as an anti-caking agent. Tests were carried out according to the standard techniques.
 The samples with 45 and 50% of maltodextrin had lower moisture, ash, redness (a*), and hygroscopicity values. These powders demonstrated good yield, solubility, density, and color indices (L*, b*, C, H). The persimmon purée powders with 30 and 35% of Arabic gum showed an increase in ash content and total acidity. The samples with 30% Arabic gum obtained the highest sensory evaluation scores.
 The optimal results belonged to the samples of lyophilized persimmon purée powder with 45% of maltodextrin, which will have a longer shelf-life due to its low moisture content.

Influence of storage conditions, packaging, post-harvest technology, nanotechnology and molecular approaches on shelf life of microgreens

Microgreens have achieved importance recently due to their high nutritive value, easiness of cultivation and year round availability. However, being very tender and having high moisture content, their shelf life is too short. Studies show that the physical quality, chemical quality and shelf life deterioration in post harvest of micro greens can be improved with effective storage conditions, packaging matters, nanoparticle application, physiological treatments and molecular approaches. Low ambient or storage temperature and effective storage system improve and sustain the shelf life, and quality and restrict microbial activity in micro greens. Packaging with bioplastic clamshell, cardboard clamshell, bioplastic pouch, kraft paper box, or classified polymer upgrades the shelf life and reduce antimicrobial activity under controlled temperature. The interventions with nanoparticles such as nano packaging, nano coatings and nano bubble modify the shelf life and quality and forbids microbial outbreak, solvent discharge and unstable gaseous exchange. The real time signal processing nano sensor technology can detect pesticides, pathogens, toxic materials, contaminants, and microbes in microgreens. The emission of light emitting diodes with stable ratio of wavelength extends shelf life. High carbon dioxide and low oxygen pressure at 5 °C temperature exhibits control respiration rate and prolonged shelf life. The standard packaging materials and post harvest technology may be recognized for extending shelf life and quality in harvested microgreens. The integration of molecular tools can be used to screen genome, replication, transcription, translation, post translation and gene regulation for shelf life improvement and desired traits.

Preparation of a nanocellulose/nanochitin coating on a poly(lactic acid) film for improved hydrolysis resistance

Growing concerns regarding plastic waste have prompted various attempts to replace plastic packaging films with biodegradable alternatives such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA). However, their low hydrolysis resistance owing to the presence of aliphatic polyesters limits the shelf life of biodegradable polymers. Hydrolysis leads to the deterioration of mechanical performance, which is a key disadvantage of biodegradable plastics. In this study, a layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly method was used for the dip-coating of biorenewable, biodegradable nanocellulose/nanochitin on the PLA surface. Additional crosslinking and compression of the coated nanofibers, each containing carboxylic acid and amine groups, respectively, were induced through electromagnetic microwave irradiation to protect the PLA film by improving hydrolysis resistance. The coatings were examined by morphological observations and water contact angle measurements. The LBL coatings of differently charged nanofibers of 10.6 μm were reduced to 40 % after microwave treatment, and the thickness does not vary after the hydrolysis experiment. Microwave irradiation increased the water contact angle owing to amide linkage formation, thereby preventing the peeling off of coating layers. Improved hydrolysis resistance inhibited the reduction in molecular weight and tensile strength. These findings could be used to develop sustainable and biodegradable plastic packaging films with a prolonged shelf life.

Green Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedicine and Biotechnology

Green electrospinning harnesses the potential of renewable biomaterials to craft biodegradable nanofiber structures, expanding their utility across a spectrum of applications. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the production, characterization and application of electrospun cellulose, collagen, gelatin and other biopolymer nanofibers in tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, environmental remediation, agriculture and synthetic biology. These applications span diverse fields, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, environmental remediation, agriculture, and synthetic biology. In the realm of tissue engineering, nanofibers emerge as key players, adept at mimicking the intricacies of the extracellular matrix. These fibers serve as scaffolds and vascular grafts, showcasing their potential to regenerate and repair tissues. Moreover, they facilitate controlled drug and gene delivery, ensuring sustained therapeutic levels essential for optimized wound healing and cancer treatment. Biosensing platforms, another prominent arena, leverage nanofibers by immobilizing enzymes and antibodies onto their surfaces. This enables precise glucose monitoring, pathogen detection, and immunodiagnostics. In the environmental sector, these fibers prove invaluable, purifying water through efficient adsorption and filtration, while also serving as potent air filtration agents against pollutants and pathogens. Agricultural applications see the deployment of nanofibers in controlled release fertilizers and pesticides, enhancing crop management, and extending antimicrobial food packaging coatings to prolong shelf life. In the realm of synthetic biology, these fibers play a pivotal role by encapsulating cells and facilitating bacteria-mediated prodrug activation strategies. Across this multifaceted landscape, nanofibers offer tunable topographies and surface functionalities that tightly regulate cellular behavior and molecular interactions. Importantly, their biodegradable nature aligns with sustainability goals, positioning them as promising alternatives to synthetic polymer-based technologies. As research and development continue to refine and expand the capabilities of green electrospun nanofibers, their versatility promises to advance numerous applications in the realms of biomedicine and biotechnology, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Smart Packaging Based on Polylactic Acid: The Effects of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Agents from Natural Extracts on Physical-Mechanical Properties, Colony Reduction, Perishable Food Shelf Life, and Future Prospective.

Changes in consumer lifestyles have raised awareness of a variety of food options and packaging technologies. Active and smart packaging is an innovative technology that serves to enhance the safety and quality of food products like fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat. Smart packaging, as a subset of this technology, entails the integration of additives into packaging materials, thereby facilitating the preservation or extension of product quality and shelf life. This technological approach stimulates a heightened demand for safer food products with a prolonged shelf life. Active packaging predominantly relies on the utilization of natural active substances. Therefore, the combination of active substances has a significant impact on the characteristics of active packaging, particularly on polymeric blends like polylactic acid (PLA) as a matrix. Therefore, this review will summarize how the addition of natural active agents influences the performance of smart packaging through systematic analysis, providing new insights into the types of active agents on physical-mechanical properties, colony reduction, and its application in foods. Through their integration, the market for active and smart packaging systems is expected to have a bright future.

Manganese-doped polyaniline electrodes as high-performance supercapacitors with superior energy density and prolonged shelf life

The rising energy ultimatum has urged a paradigm shift from conventional to non-conventional, green, and clean energy sources to indulge supply and demand. In light of this, manganese-doped polyaniline was synthesized via the In-situ oxidative polymerization method and was employed as material for supercapacitor electrodes. The doping of PANI by manganese was confirmed from EDX and XPS analysis. Electrochemical studies uncovered an areal capacitance of 776 mF/cm2 at a current density of 1 mA/cm2, gravimetric capacitance of 995 F/g at 1 A/g, 99% coulombic efficiency, and a capacitive retention of 86.5% was observed after 20,000 cycles at a current density of 35 mA/cm2 by the fabricated coin cell device. The shelf life performance of the coin cell was analyzed after 400 days and underwent a long run for one lakh cycles, which revealed a capacitive retention of 71% at 1 mA/cm2 and a stable coulombic efficiency of 96% throughout the cycling. From the performance analysis, the manganese-doped PANI claims to serve as an excellent electrode for supercapacitor applications.

Chitosan/alginate dialdehyde trilayer films with cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsions for grass carp preservation

Chitosan (CS) cross-linked films were prepared using the Maillard reaction (CMR). Layer-by-layer casting created additional layers using alginate dialdehyde (ADA) containing cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsions (CANE) and CS. The ability to preserve grass carp fillets was evaluated along with the effects of CANE concentration on the microstructure, physicochemical properties, controlled-release behavior, antioxidation, and antibacterial activities of the films. In all films, Schiff base-induced bonds, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonds brought the layers closer together, improving the mechanical properties (e.g., a 70% increase in tensile strength and a 34% increase in breaking elongation) and barrier capacity (e.g., inhibiting ultraviolet, water vapor, and oxygen transmission). CANE can improve the antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, and sustained release characteristics of films. More importantly, over the 8-day storage period, the fish packaged using the active films were better than those in the control, commercial PE, and CS films in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, pH, texture, total viable counts, and volatile basic nitrogen with indicator species. Fish could have a prolonged shelf life due to the prepared CMR/ADA-CA/CS film. In other words, it may be used as a sustainable food packaging material, with the performance of the film being regulated by different CANE concentrations.

Optimizing Hydroponic Management Practices for Organically Grown Greenhouse Tomato under Abiotic Stress Conditions

Hot and humid conditions create challenges for tomato production under a controlled environment. Low tomato productivity is related to the lack of stress tolerance of existing cultivars and their ability to maximize fruit set and yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three management strategies, cultivar selection, grafting, and plant density, for the growth and production efficiency of organically grown hydroponic tomatoes under adverse environmental conditions in Qatar. The experiment used a split-split plot design with ‘Velocity F1’ and ‘Sigma F1’ as the main plot treatments and a factorial arrangement of grafting combinations and planting densities (3.5 and 5.5 plants/m2) as subplots. Tomato cultivar Velocity F1 grafted on Maxifort F1 resulted in greater vegetative growth and improved phenological attributes than nongrafted Velocity F1. Grafted ‘Velocity F1’ plants grown at 3.5 plants/m2 had an increase in leaf photosynthetic rates (18%), less transpiration loss (16%), and less electrolyte leakage (15%) while maintaining stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentrations. At 9 weeks after transplanting, canopy growth was higher (24%) and flowering occurred earlier (3 days) with grafted ‘Velocity F1’ transplants than with nongrafted transplants. Higher fruit sets (20%), pollen viability (22%), and fewer flower drops (17%) were also observed for grafted ‘Velocity F1’ transplants than for nongrafted transplants. Marketable fruit yields were higher (26%) with grafted ‘Velocity F1’ grown at 3.5 plants/m2 than with nongrafted ‘Velocity F1’. Both grafted ‘Velocity F1’ and ‘Sigma F1’ fruits retained acceptable fruit color (L*, a*, b*, C*, °h), firmness, °Brix, titratable acidity, weight, and prolonged shelf life by 4 additional days than nongrafted ones. We conclude that grafted tomato ‘Velocity F1’ grown at a plant density of 3.5 plants/m2 was the best management strategy for enhancing seedlings quality, plant growth, and postharvest quality and alleviating abiotic stresses under this protected environment and hydroponic system.

Nanodot zirconium trisulfide modified conducting thread: A smart substrate for fabrication of next generation biosensor

In present work, we report an eco-friendly, flexible and highly conducting cotton thread (CT) as a smart substrate for the development of biosensing platform towards ultrasensitive detection of swine flu serum amyloid A (SAA) biomarker. The biosensor was fabricated by optimized coating of CT with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) conductive ink followed by incorporation of nanodot zirconium trisulfide (nZrS3) which helped in enhancing the electrochemical properties and improving stability of PEDOT:PSS polymeric film. The fabricated nZrS3/PEDOT:PSS/CT electrode was then used for sequential immobilization of monoclonal antibodies of SAA (anti-SAA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The synthesized nanomaterials and fabricated electrodes were characterized through X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and contact angle analyser techniques. The electrochemical response of the fabricated smart thread based biosensor (BSA/anti-SAA/ZrS3/PEDOT:PSS/CT) was recorded against SAA using chronoamperometry technique which revealed superior sensitivity {30.2 μA [log (μg mL−1)]−1 cm−2}, excellent lower detection limit (0.72 ng mL−1) and prolonged shelf life up to 48 days. The response of the biosensor was also validated by analysing the electrochemical response of SAA spiked serum samples and the obtained results showed good correlation with that of standard samples.

Enhancing plantain epicarp active edible coating performance through investigation of optimal spray coating conditions

The current research presents a comprehensive investigation aimed at predicting and optimizing the adhesion characteristics of Nanoemulsion coatings sprayed onto plantains epicarps. To achieve this, a full factorial experimental design and an artificial neural network model were deployed. The process parameters, consisting of the height of the nozzle, pressure, and time, served as inputs for the artificial neural network model, while the coating amount and thickness were measured and treated as targets for both models. Through meticulous training, the artificial neural network model demonstrated remarkable efficiency and reliability, evident in the high degree of coherence between predicted and experimental results (R² = 0.99 and MSE = 1.98 %). The study identified a critical sequence of variables (height/pressure/time: 0.15 m / 0.6 MPa / 5 s) that yielded optimal coating characteristics, including a thickness of 38.5 µm, permeance of 1.388 × 10–05 kg s−1 m−1 Pa−1, and water vapor permeability of 2.7 × 10–09 kg s−1 m−1 Pa−1, along with a contact angle of 11.3° indicative of enhanced wettability. Significantly, the coated epicarps exhibited lower water vapor permeability, implying an extended shelf life. This promising technology of edible coatings not only contributes to preserving fruit quality and prolonging shelf life for plantainss but also holds potential for application in other food products and fortifying food packaging practices. The current findings shed light on the valuable role of active edible coatings in advancing food preservation methods and sustainability within the food industry.

Antisense RNA (asRNA) technology: the concept and applications in crop improvement and sustainable agriculture.

Antisense RNA (asRNA) technology is a method used to silence genes and inhibit their expression. Gene function relies on expression, which follows the central dogma of molecular biology. The use of asRNA can regulate gene expression by targeting specific mRNAs, which can result in changes in phenotype, disease resistance, and other traits associated with protein expression profiles. This technology uses short, single-stranded oligonucleotide strands that are complementary to the targeted mRNA. Manipulating and regulating protein expression during its translation can either knock out or knock down the expression of a gene of interest. Therefore, functional genomics can benefit from this technology since it allows for the regulation of protein expression. In this review, we discuss the concept, and applications of asRNA technology which include delaying ripening, prolonging shelf life, biofortification, and increasing biotic and abiotic resistance among others in crop improvement and sustainable agriculture.

Complex Technology for the Production of Smoked Products of Prolonged Shelf Life with a Reduced Concentration of Sodium Nitrite

Complex Technology for the Production of Smoked Products of Prolonged Shelf Life with a Reduced Concentration of Sodium Nitrite

A Review on the Current Status and Emerging Trends in the Utilization of Fish Feed Additives for Sustainable Production of Oreochromis Niloticus

Feed additives are regarded as an essential component of the fish diet during the production of fish feed. The addition of feed additives to fish food is essential for enhancing the growth and immunity of farmed fish. This study’s objective was to conduct a comprehensive review of the Current Status and Trends in the Adoption of these fish feed additives for Sustainable Tilapia production. In this study, an exploratory research design was used to review and comprehend numerous peer-reviewed papers published in national and international publications on issues related to fish feed additives currently used in Tilapia aquaculture production and the current and future prospects of essential fish feed additives. Feed additives are ingredients that are added in minor amounts to fish diets to increase nutrient content and prolong shelf life. Preservatives, binders, feeding stimulants, and food coloring are frequent feed additives. In order to optimize the production of farmed fish, it is necessary to encourage the use of additives as aquaculture expands. The purpose of feed additives in fish feed is to promote healthier and more rapid fish growth in aquaculture. As a result, fish diets must include the proper amounts of feed additives. The findings imply that fish feed without feed additives is analogous to “a vehicle without fuel” and should be regarded as poor fish feed when fed to fish in an aquaculture system. The end consequence will be a low growth rate for fish, decreased disease resistance, and consequently low productivity in an aquaculture production system.

Insights into the volatile flavor and quality profiles of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) during shelf-life via HS-GC-IMS, E-nose, and E-tongue

Loquat fruits are among the most popular Chinese fruits because of their unique taste and aroma. The quality profiles of these fruits during 18 days of shelf-life at 20 °C were elucidated by headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS), E-nose, and E-tongue. During shelf-life period, the properties and variations of 43 (20 aldehydes, 7 esters, 6 ketones, 1 alcohol, and 1 furan) volatile flavored compounds were determined by GC-IMS, which showed that the contents of methyl 3-methyl butanoate, ethyl acetate, and dimethyl ketone gradually decrease with prolonged shelf-life time, while (E)-2-heptenal, heptanal, (E)-2-pentenal, 1-penten-3-one 3-pentanone and 2-pentylfuran increase. The PCA based on the signal intensity of GC-IMS and E-nose, revealed that loquat fruits are well distinguished at different shelf-life times. The taste profile alternates as the storage time increases, along with higher pH, and lower amounts of total soluble solids, vitamin C, and total phenolics. The visual plots of GC-IMS, E-nose, and E-tongue had good consistency, and they characterized the aroma characteristics of loquat fruits well during different shelf-life periods. The findings of this research provide a useful understanding of the flavors of loquat fruits during their prolonged shelf-life, and a potential research basis for advancements in the loquat industry.

Effect of milk protein coating and Nisin on the postharvest quality of strawberries (Fragaria ananassa).

Due to postharvest losses, research to preserve fruits and vegetables' physicochemical and sensory quality has gained significant interest in recent years. Therefore, applying edible coatings is used to maintain quality when delaying the transport of gases (O2 and CO2) and water by retaining volatile aroma compounds, thus delaying the maturation process. The present research evaluated the effect of an edible coating obtained from milk protein and Nisin on the postharvest quality of Strawberries. The study was carried out in the Laboratories of Bromatology and Chemistry of the Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, located in the canton of Quevedo, province of Los Ríos, Ecuador, in the year 2022, where a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 3 replicates was used to determine the behavior of the characteristics during the days of conservation of the treatments. It was shown that the treatments with edible coating and 2% and 6% nisin had a longer shelf life than the uncoated strawberries, which only had a shelf life of 2 days. It was also observed that by T3, better ratings in the sensory categories evaluated (color, aroma, flavor, and acceptability) were obtained, conserving similar characteristics to the uncoated strawberries. The application of edible coating based on milk protein and 2% nisin can be used as an effective alternative during postharvest handling of strawberries, providing beneficial effects such as prolonging shelf life for 5 days. Keywords: coating, preservation, maturation, degradation.

Furoic acid-mediated konjac glucomannan/flaxseed gum based green biodegradable antibacterial film for Shine-Muscat grape preservation

Considering the growing threats to the environment and human health, such as plastic pollution and food spoilage, the development of naturally antibacterial food packaging materials with biodegradable capabilities has recently attracted considerable attention. This work applies the concept of green environmental protection to packaging technology, and a new type of green edible antibacterial packaging film was developed. The basic idea is to incorporate furoic acid (FA), which possesses excellent antibacterial activity, into the flaxseed gum and konjac glucomannan matrix (FK) as a filler to obtain a series of FK-FA bioactive films. This incorporation simultaneously improves the hydrophobicity and UV-barrier ability by 12.28 % and 42.87 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the diameters of the antibacterial zone of the FK-FA0.4% films (composite FK films containing 0.4 % FA) against E. coli and S. aureus increased to 38.98 mm and 36.29 mm from 24.00 mm of pure FK film, respectively. As a consequence, the grape sample sealed with FK-FA0.4% film remained edible on the 18th day of storage, while those packaged with commercial PE film and pure FK were seriously rotted and lost edible value on the 12th day, further confirming the enhanced preservation capacity. Finally, the as-prepared films were established to be biodegradable and were almost completely degraded within 25 days under simulated environmental conditions. Overall, these promising results show the potential of FK-FA films for replacing plastic packaging materials as eco-friendly edible films with prolonged shelf life for active packaging.

The effect of aloe vera edible coating with carrageenan and glycerol on red chili (Capsicum annum L.) quality during storage

Red chili (Capsicum annum L.) is one of horticultural commodities that rapidly damage due to has high water content, which is around 80-90%. High respiration rate can cause deterioration quickly and shorten shelf life at room temperature stored. In order to prolong shelf life of red chili pepper, aloe vera alone, aloe vera mixed with carrageenan and glycerol can be applied as edible coating. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of aloe vera coating, aloe vera mixed with carrageenan and glycerol on red chili pepper. Four treatments with three times repetitions were used and analyzed their effect on weight, total soluble solid, hardness and color changes on red chili pepper. The treatments were aloe vera coating alone, aloe vera mixed with 2% of carrageenan mingled with the different concentration of glycerol, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%, respectively. Red chilli pepper without any coating were considered as control. All the treated and control red chilli pepper were stored for 15 days at law (10°C) and room temperature (30°C). The data obtained were calculated statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that edible coating with carrageenan and glycerol stored at low and room temperature had a significant effect reduced in weight loss and coating weight loss of red chili pepper. However, soluble solids concentration, color, were not significantly affected by aloe vera coating with carrageenan and glycerol. The highest quality of red chilli pepper is detected with aloe vera coating mixed with carrageenan and glycerol with 2% and 0.5% concentrations, respectively.

UV-C Light: A Promising Preservation Technology for Vegetable-Based Nonsolid Food Products.

A variety of bioactive substances present in fruit- and vegetable-processed products have health-promoting properties. The consumption of nutrient-rich plant-based products is essential to address undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Preservation is paramount in manufacturing plant-based nonsolid foods such as juices, purees, and sauces. Thermal processing has been widely used to preserve fruit- and vegetable-based products by reducing enzymatic and microbial activities, thereby ensuring safety and prolonged shelf life. However, the nutritional value of products is compromised due to the deleterious effects of thermal treatments on essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. To prevent the loss of nutrients associated with thermal treatment, alternative technologies are being researched extensively. In studies conducted on nonsolid food, UV-C treatment has been proven to preserve quality and minimize nutrient degradation. This review compiles information on the use of UV-C technology in preserving the nutritional attributes of nonsolid foods derived from fruit and vegetables. The legislation, market potential, consumer acceptance, and limitations of UV-C are reviewed.