Composite starch-based coatings applied to strawberries (Fragaria ananassa)

Starch-based coatings were used to the extend storage life of strawberries (Fragaria ananassa) stored at 0 degree C and 84.8% relative humidity. Effects of coating formulation (including starch type, plasticizer, lipid and antimicrobial agent) were analysed with respect to fruit quality. Plasticizer addition was necessary for film and coating integrity to avoid pores and cracks. Plasticizer presence reduced weight losses and maintained surface colour of fruits. Amylomaize coatings showed lower water vapour and gas permeabilities and decreased weight losses for longer periods than corn starch ones. Coatings with sorbitol showed lower permeabilities than glycerol ones. Coatings with antimicrobial agents decreased microbial counts, extending storage life of coated fruits by 10 to 14 days in comparison to the control. The addition of 2 g/l sunflower oil to the formulations decreased the water vapour permeability of starch-based films, maintained the surface colour of coated fruits and controlled effectively fruit weight losses during storage. Lipid addition minimized the effects of starch and plasticizer types. Composite starch-based coatings showed selective gas permeability (CO2 higher than O2) which helps to delay senescence of fruits.     

Lipid Addition to Improve Barrier Properties of Edible Starch-based Films and Coatings

ABSTRACT: Effects of formulation (lipid presence, type of starch, and plasticizer) on microstructure, water vapor (WVP) and gas (GP) permeabilities of films and coatings were analyzed. Plasticizer was necessary to maintain film and coating integrity and to avoid pores and cracks. Films made from high amylose starch showed lower WVP and GP than regular corn starch films; permeabilities of films with sorbitol (20 g/L) were lower than those with glycerol. The addition of 2g/L sunflower oil to the formulations decreased WVP of starch-based films; X-ray diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry experiments demonstrated that films with plasticizer and lipid showed lower crystalline-amorphous ratio compared to films without additives. Microstructural observations helped explain the decrease of the film permeabilities during storage.     

Gelatine–starch films: Physicochemical properties and their application in extending the post‐harvest shelf life of avocado (Persea americana)

BACKGROUND: Several storage techniques have been developed to extend the post‐harvest shelf life of horticultural products. One method involves the use of edible or biodegradable coatings. Such coatings are made of biological materials that are used to coat fresh products, providing a semi‐permeable barrier to water vapour and gases, e.g. O₂ and CO₂. The influence of starch concentration, glycerol content and pH on the carbon dioxide permeability (CO₂P) and mechanical properties of gelatine–starch edible films were evaluated. RESULTS: Results showed that increments in the starch concentration and pH resulted in higher CO₂P values. Film puncture strength increased when the starch concentration decreased and the maximum resistance value (32.6 N) was obtained at pH 6. Deformation was mainly affected by glycerol and starch content. Some films were chosen in order to evaluate their effect, as coatings, in the post‐harvest shelf life of avocados (Persea americana Mill c.v. Hass). Fruits were immersed in the coating solutions, air dried and stored at two temperatures. Changes in colour, weight loss and pulp firmness were determined in fruits stored at 6 °C. In addition, respiration rate was measured in avocados kept at 20 °C. CONCLUSION: The application of gelatine–starch coatings delayed the ripening process of avocados, as indicated by a better pulp firmness and retention of skin colour, and lower weight loss of coated fruits in comparison with control avocados. The coatings also resulted in a delayed respiratory climacteric pattern, by 3 days, for coated fruits. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of three lipid/hydrocolloid coatings on shelf life stability of Golden Delicious apples

The shelf life quality of freshly harvested Golden Delicious apples coated with three individually developed lipid/hydrocolloid coatings was assessed throughout refrigerated storage. The apples were monitored for 8 weeks. The coatings resulted in low internal O₂ and the least loss of fruit firmness when compared with the non‐coated apple group. The coated apples had very little starch breakdown, minimum flesh colour development, or loss of titratable acidity content. Soluble solids and fresh weight loss remained unchanged for both the non‐coated and coated groups. Sensory analysis confirmed that the coated apples maintained consistent quality in firmness, crispness and juiciness throughout the storage period.     

The nutraceutical quality of tomato fruit during domestic storage is affected by chitosan coating

Fruits and vegetables are highly perishable foods which usually undergo a gradual loss of nutraceuticals during storage. Chitosan‐based edible coatings are extensively studied thanks to antimicrobial activity and great potential to extend the shelf life. However, little information is presently available on the nutraceutical quality of chitosan‐coated products. The present study is addressed to evaluate accompanied by a delayed degradation of some phenolic compounds during storage. These results indicate that chitosan coating is effective in maintaining the quality parameters, the coated fruit showed less weight loss (?16%) and more firmer (+40%) than control fruit, chitosan‐coated tomato emitted significantly lower ethylene (?41%) than control, and slowing down the nutraceutical loss occurring in postharvest, mainly of the lycopene, main carotenoid, found in tomato fruits. These results indicate that chitosan coating is effective in slowing down the nutraceutical loss occurring in postharvest, thus representing a promising tool to preserve bio‐protective phytochemicals during fruit conservation.

Practical applications

During storage and domestic conservation, the nutraceutical quality of fruits and vegetables usually decreases and can undergo deterioration due to physiological disorders and mechanical damages. In the last decade, use of edible coatings has attracted interest as a promising technology to prolong the shelf life of particularly perishable foods. These coatings act as protective barriers decreasing transpiration rate and gas transfer across the product surface, thus promoting the maintenance of nutritional quality.     

Starch-based coatings: effect on refrigerated strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) quality

Edible coatings can provide an alternative for extending post-harvest life of refrigerated fruit and vegetables. The influence of different starch-based coating formulations on quality attributes of strawberries stored at 0°C and a relative humidity of 84·8% was studied. Starch sources were classified according to the amylose content in starch, with medium amylose content (potato and corn) and high amylose content (amylomaize and amylose-rich product). Quality of fruits was evaluated by weight loss, firmness retention, microbial decay, surface colour development, titratable acidity and sugar content. The effects of starch amylose content and glycerol (plasticiser) concentration on coating properties were also analysed. The coatings reduced the number of infected fruits and extended storage life of strawberries by retarding senescence. The addition of glycerol improved coating performance, with 20 g litre⁻¹ the most effective concentration. The starch source had a significant effect on surface colour development, weight loss and firmness retention. Coated strawberries produced the lowest ratios of chromaticity parameters (a/b, red/yellow) with regard to the control fruits, thus retarding senescence. High amylose content starches reduced weight loss, maintained firmness and reduced decay better than medium amylose content starches. © 1998 SCI.     

氧化玉米淀粉涂膜对低温贮藏期间甜樱桃生理及品质的影响

以“红灯”甜樱桃为材料,研究在采后0 ℃和7 ℃条件下氧化玉米淀粉涂膜对果实保鲜效果的影响。结果表明,氧化玉米淀粉涂膜可有效延缓低温贮藏期间甜樱桃果实的质量损失率和呼吸强度,降低细胞膜透率,抑制丙二醛的积累。此外,氧化玉米淀粉涂膜还可有效维持果实的可溶性固形物、可滴定酸、抗坏血酸（VC）含量,保持果实的外观、风味和口感;0 ℃条件下涂膜处理的保鲜效果要显著优于7 ℃。由此表明,氧化玉米淀粉涂膜可有效延缓冷藏期间甜樱桃果实的成熟衰老,最大限度地保持果实品质,可作为新型的果蔬涂膜材料,应用于水果、蔬菜的实践采后保鲜过程。     

Effect of native and acetylated‐crosslinked waxy corn starch‐beeswax coatings on quality attributes of raspberries during storage

Edible coatings (ECs) are a thin layer of a mixture of edible materials, applied in the liquid state and dried over the surface of a food product to maintain its quality during storage. This work was aimed to study the effect of ECs made from wx corn starch (WCS) or acetylated cross‐linked starch (ACLS) added with beeswax on fresh raspberry quality attributes during short‐term cold storage. Freshly harvested fruits were coated, dried, packed in plastic trays and stored up to 8 days at 4°C. During storage quality parameters such as firmness, respiration rate, anthocyanins content, total phenols, color changes, and weight loss were evaluated. A clear effect on control of respiration rate was observed in coated raspberries. Respiration rate of uncoated fruit was 4.5 ± 0.28 mmol/kg/h and decreased to 4.2 ± 0.27 for ACLS and to 4.1 ± 0.08 mmol/kg/h for WCS‐coated raspberries, after 56 h of storage at 15°C. Ethylene production followed a similar trend under these conditions decreasing from 0.043 ± 0.005 to 0.034 ± 0.004 mmol/kg/h for uncoated and ACLS coated fruits, respectively, indicating an effect on ripening control. Additionally, ACLS and WCS coatings permitted the preservation of color without affecting anthocyanins content. However, the presence of anaerobic metabolites and reduction of terpenes production in cold stored coated raspberries indicated hypoxic conditions, which can adversely affect shelf‐life quality attributes of raspberries such as firmness and weight loss.     

Use of alginate or zein as edible coatings to delay postharvest ripening process and to maintain tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill) quality

BACKGROUND: Edible coatings could be effective tools for delaying the ripening process of fruits. Alginate or zein as edible coatings were assayed in tomato in order to maintain parameters related to quality during postharvest storage. RESULTS: Coated tomatoes showed lower respiration rate and ethylene production than control ones, with a twofold lower concentration of ethylene precursor. In addition, the evolution of parameters related to tomato quality losses, such as softening, colour evolution and weight loss, was significantly delayed (4–6 days on average) in coated tomatoes as compared to controls. Thereafter, sugars, organic acids (and especially ascorbic acid) and scores from sensory analysis remained at much higher levels at the end of storage in treated than in control tomatoes. CONCLUSIONS: Coatings based on alginate or zein could be effective tools for delaying the tomato‐ripening process during postharvest storage, and in turn maintaining tomato quality and its acceptability by consumers. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Microstructural Characterization of Plasticized Starch‐Based Films

Edible films were developed using different starch sources (corn starch and amylomaize). Starch suspensions were cold gelatinized with NaOH; either glycerol or sorbitol were used as plasticizer. Films were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and gas (CO₂ and O₂) permeabilities. SEM observations showed that plasticizer addition was necessary for film integrity. The evaluation of film formation by DSC indicated that cold gelatinization was the main factor of thermal transitions. Film crystallinity was analyzed by DSC and X‐ray diffraction during storage. For all tested formulations, film crystallinity increased while gas permeability decreased during storage. Films containing glycerol or sorbitol showed a lower crystalline/amorphous ratio by X‐ray diffraction and DSC than unplasticized films. Amylomaize films with higher crystalline/amorphous ratio gave lower gas permeabilities than the corresponding corn starch films; films containing sorbitol showed lower permeability values than those containing glycerol.     

Fresh cut ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango pre-treated with citric acid and coated with cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) starch or sodium alginate

This work aimed to evaluate quality parameters of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango slices pre-treated with citric acid and cassava starch or sodium alginate edible coatings, with or without glycerol. Samples only treated with citric acid were also evaluated. Mango slices dipped in sanitising solution were used as control. Colour parameters, mechanical properties, weight loss and respiration rate were analysed during 15 days at 5 °C. Cassava starch coating, with or without glycerol, provided higher stress at failure and lightness values than control sample throughout storage (p ≤ 0.05). The citric acid promoted colour preservation, but increased significantly samples weight loss during storage. Sodium alginate coatings did not maintain quality characteristics, showing stress at failure and lightness values lower than control after 15 days. All coatings reduced respiration rate, but citric acid dipping and cassava starch coating without glycerol treatments were more effective, reaching values around 41% lower, when compared to control sample.

Industrial Relevance

Fresh-cut mangoes are appreciated world-wide for its exotic flavour and nutritional composition. However, their shelf life is limited by changes in colour, texture, appearance and microbial growth. The edible coatings act as gas and water vapour barrier, extending the storage time of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Thus, cassava starch and alginate are alternatives to preserve minimally processed mangoes, maintaining the quality parameters of fresh fruit. This work is useful for the minimal processing industry in order to increase shelf life of fresh-cut mangoes, which can be considered an alternative to fast food and other ready-to-eat products, attending the demand for healthy and convenient foodstuffs.     

Effect of chitosan coating combined with postharvest calcium treatment on strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) quality during refrigerated storage

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) were coated with either 1% or 1.5% chitosan (CS) or chitosan combined with calcium gluconate (CaGlu). Following treatment, strawberries were stored at 10 °C and 70 ± 5% RH for one week. The effectiveness of the treatments in extending fruit shelf-life was evaluated by determining fungal decay, respiration rate, quality attributes and overall visual appearance. No sign of fungal decay was observed during the storage period for fruit coated with 1.5% CS (with or without the addition of CaGlu) or 1% CS + 0.5% CaGlu. By contrast, 12.5% of the strawberries coated with 1% CS lacking calcium salt were infected after five days of storage. The chitosan coating reduced respiration activity, thus delaying ripening and the progress of fruit decay due to senescence. Chitosan coatings delayed changes in weight loss, firmness and external colour compared to untreated samples. Strawberries coated with 1.5% chitosan exhibited less weight loss and reduced darkening than did those treated with 1% chitosan, independently of the presence or absence of CaGlu. However, addition of calcium to the 1% chitosan solution increased the firmness of the fruit. Coated samples had greater visual acceptability than had untreated fruits. The addition of calcium gluconate to the chitosan coating formulation increased the nutritional value by incrementing the calcium content of the fruit.     

The effects of edible coatings on postharvest quality of the "Bravo de Esmolfe" apple

Apples (Malus domestica Borkh cv Bravo de Esmolfe) were coated with a polysaccharide-based or a protein-based coating. Alginate and gelatine coatings at different concentrations, plasticized with glycerol and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) plus sucroesters coatings plasticized with mono/diglycerides were tested. The effects of those coatings on the storage stability were followed by measurements of peel and pulp firmness, external L* a* and b* colour values, solid soluble content and weight loss during storage at 20 °C for three months. The 2 wt% alginate and 5 wt% gelatine coatings significantly reduced weight loss, thus maintaining fruit firmness and thereby preserving fruit freshness. The effects of those coatings also include the improvement of appearance and imparted an attractive natural-looking sheen to the fruit.     

New edible coatings composed of galactomannans and collagen blends to improve the postharvest quality of fruits – Influence on fruits gas transfer rate

The objective of this work was to produce new edible coatings, based on a mixture of galactomannans from novel sources (seeds of Adenanthera pavonina and Caesalpinia pulcherrima), collagen and glycerol, and to determine their influence in gas transfer rates when they are applied on mangoes and apples. The first part of the work consisted in obtaining coating solutions with the convenient values of wettability for each fruit; such coating solutions were then characterized in terms of their permeability (to CO₂, O₂ and water vapour), mechanical properties, colour and opacity. Gas transfer rates from mangoes coated with a solution of A. pavonina galactomannan (0.5%), collagen (1.5%) and glycerol (1.5%) were compared with those of mangoes without coating: 28% less O₂ consumption and 11% less CO₂ production were observed in coated mangoes. The same procedure was performed in apples (in this case using C. pulcherrima galactomannan (0.5%), collagen (1.5%) and no glycerol); the CO₂ production and the O₂ consumption was approximately 50% lower in apples with coating than in apples without coating. The results suggest that these coatings can reduce gas transfer rates in these fruits, and can be therefore important tools to extend their shelf life.     

Alginate coatings containing grapefruit essential oil or grapefruit seed extract for grapes preservation

Biodegradable coatings based on 1% and 2% sodium alginate (NaAlg) with and without grapefruit seed extract (GSE) or grapefruit essential oil (GEO) were applied to table grapes to preserve their quality. Changes in weight loss, firmness and antioxidant activity were assessed over 15 days of cold storage. The effectiveness of developed coatings to control postharvest decay of inoculated grape berries stored for 5 days at 20 °C was also investigated. Biodegradable coatings based on pure NaAlg and those containing GSE were efficient in reducing weight loss and maintaining firmness during storage. Coatings incorporating either GEO or GSE were able to preserve the antioxidant activity of treated grapes and to reduce decay incidence in inoculated fruits. Coatings formulated with 2% NaAlg‐1% GSE showed the greatest preservation of antioxidant activity and the highest antifungal effect, with an effective control of water and firmness losses. These coatings can be recommended for maintaining table grapes quality.     

Properties of beeswax antifungal coatings obtained by high-pressure homogenisation and their application for preserving bananas during storage

Bananas are tropical fruits that are perishable and susceptible to fungal diseases, mainly caused by Colletotrichum musae. Antimicrobial emulsion-based coating materials have been used extensively to inhibit the growth of these fungi and extend the shelf life of bananas. Targeted emulsion-based film functionalities offer excellent mechanical, physicochemical and barrier properties and limit fungal growth kinetics. Antifungal compounds, such as essential oils or phenolic compounds, are added to emulsion-based (wax/biopolymer) coatings to enhance their antimicrobial properties. This study set out to formulate a beeswax-based emulsion for banana coatings using high-pressure homogenisation (HPH) and hydrophilic food-grade/organic coating materials. The particle size distribution, stability and mechanical properties of the film-forming emulsions, water vapour and the oxygen permeabilities of the resulting coating were investigated. The most promising sucrose emulsions were tested as coatings on banana fruits to assess their efficacy against moisture and firmness loss during storage. Adding thymol (0.5% w/w) to the sucrose emulsions further enhanced the inhibition of Colletotrichum musae growth to its barest minimum of <20%. Emulsion stability was clearly enhanced using HPH while the best inhibition was obtained with a 20% diluted sucrose emulsion containing 0.5% thymol, with or without HPH.     

Influence of edible coating on quality of plum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus salicina</Emphasis> Lindl. cv. ‘Sapphire’)

Edible coating may enhance the boundary layer resistance resulting in enhanced shelf life of fruits. Plums (Prunus salicina Lindl. cv. ‘Sapphire’) were treated with coating material based on carbohydrate (Versasheen) with sorbitol as plasticizer and stored at 20 °C and 85% RH. The influence of coating on the gas transmission rates was estimated using a carrier of 100% cellulose paper. Coating treatment reduced the transmission rate of CO₂, O₂, and H₂O. Changes in fruit weight, fruit flesh firmness, color parameters (L*, a*, and hue angle), soluble solids content, pH, titratable acidity, ethylene, CO₂, malondialdehyde (MDA), and VIS/NIR fruit reflectance spectrum were recorded in 2-day interval. Edible coating was effective in delaying the increase of pH and the loss of firmness, titratable acidity, L*, hue angle, and MDA. The incorporation of sorbitol showed beneficial effects on decreasing the weight loss, CO₂, and ethylene exchange. In the room temperature storage period, not only fruit ripening was measurable in the VIS (350–750 nm) and NIR (750–1,400 nm) wavelength ranges due to the decrease in the fruit chlorophyll absorption but also water loss, respectively. After 5-day room temperature storage the chlorophyll absorption peak in the spectra was already beyond the detection limit in all treatments, while after 3-day storage, the coating effect on the spectral intensities was feasible to separate control from coated plums.     

可食性复合涂膜对芒果货架期生理品质的影响

以壳聚糖和可食性淀粉为成膜剂,添加有机酸等亲水性助剂,配制3种可食性复合膜(M1、M2和M3),研究(20±0.5)℃条件货架期内不同可食性复合涂膜处理(以蒸馏水浸泡做空白对照)对芒果转黄率、转色指数、腐烂率、呼吸强度、硬度、质量损失率、可溶性固形物含量(soluble solid content,SSC)、维生素C(VC)和多酚氧化酶(polyphenol oxidase,PPO)活性等生理指标的影响。结果表明：芒果货架期期间,涂膜处理可以有效地抑制果实转黄和腐烂,推迟果实呼吸高峰的到来,显著降低芒果果实的转色指数和软化程度,提高果实硬度。同时,M3处理还可较好地保持果实的质地,有效减缓果实SSC上升的速度和幅度,维持果实较高的VC含量,但对果实PPO活性的抑制与其他涂膜处理间差异不显著。研究表明,涂膜处理可以显著改善芒果货架期期间品质劣变情况,尤以M3涂膜处理效果最好。     

Nanoreinforced alginate–acerola puree coatings on acerola fruits

Combinations of fruit purees with polysaccharides have been explored to produce edible films and coatings. In this study, the combination between acerola puree and alginate was reinforced with cellulose whiskers (CW) or montmorillonite (MMT) to form nanocomposite edible films (casted on glass plates) and edible coatings (applied on acerola fruit surfaces). Three film/coating dispersions were formulated, based on unfilled alginate–acerola puree (AA), CW-reinforced alginate–acerola puree (CWAA), and MMT-reinforced alginate–acerola puree (MMTAA). Both nanofillers (CW and MMT) reduced water vapor permeability (WVP) of films. When applied to fresh acerolas, the coatings decreased fruit weight loss, decay incidence, and ripening rates. Ascorbic acid retention by the fruits were favored by the coatings, especially the nanocomposite ones. The MMTAA coating was the most effective in reducing weight loss of acerolas. Moreover, it was the coating which best maintained its red color and the visual acceptance of coated acerolas.     

Synergistic Effect of Sodium Chlorite and Edible Coating on Quality Maintenance of Minimally Processed Citrus grandis under Passive and Active MAP

Edible coating has been an innovation within the bioactive packaging concept. The comparative analysis upon the effect of edible coating, sodium chlorite (SC) and their combined application on quality maintenance of minimally processed pomelo (Citrus grandis) fruits during storage at 4 °C was conducted. Results showed that the combination of edible coating and SC dipping delayed the microbial development whereas the sole coating or dipping treatment was less efficient. The synergetic application of edible coating and SC treatment under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP, 10% O₂, 10% CO₂) was able to maintain the total soluble solids level and ascorbic acid content, while reduce the weight loss as well as development of mesophiles and psychrotrophs. Nonetheless, the N, O‐carboxymethyl chitosan solely coated samples showed significantly higher level of weight loss during storage with comparison to the untreated sample. Furthermore, the combined application of edible coating and SC dipping under active MAP best maintained the sensory quality of minimally processed pomelo fruit during storage.