Functional biopolymer coatings to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut apples

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F70883521%3A28110%2F23%3A63570839" target="_blank" >RIV/70883521:28110/23:63570839 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

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DOI - Digital Object Identifier

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Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Functional biopolymer coatings to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut apples

Original language description

The incorporation of active molecules and antioxidants has become the extensively studied technique for improving the shelf life and stability of foods in recent years. Chitosan is characterized by excellent biodegradability, non-toxicity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and generally is evaluated as an advantageous material for packaging applications. Zein (corn protein) is known for producing smooth biodegradable films with thermal stability and excellent moisture barrier properties. A combination of zein and chitosan can lead to a significant improvement in water resistance for food packaging. Moreover, crystalline nanocellulose (NCC) can enhance the mechanical and barrier properties and stabilize encapsulated bioactive compounds in biopolymers to serve as carriers of bioactive substances with antimicrobial properties. Zein/chitosan-based coatings reinforced with NCC and activated with essential oils (cinnamon and thyme) were prepared to study their effect on the shelf life of apples. Prepared biopolymer film-forming solutions were tested for viscosity and zeta potential. Fresh-cut apples were dipped into coating-forming formulations, and then the weight loss, texture, pH changes, browning index and microbiological analysis were evaluated during storage time. It was observed that the addition of NCC and essential oils caused an increase in viscosity and improvement in mechanical properties. The formulation with essential oils substantially prolonged the microbiological shelf life of cut apples up to six days compared to the control (only three days), so it can represent a promising safe and eco-friendly choice for edible food packaging.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

O - Miscellaneous

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

21101 - Food and beverages

Project

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Continuities

S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Publication year

2023

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů