Venezuelan researchers create biodegradable coating that slows fruit spoilage
The discovery was made by researchers at the Zulia Institute of Technological Research Foundation (Inzit) in Venezuela. The chitosan-based biodegradable coating increases fruit quality and reduces water loss in food
Researchers at the Zulia Institute of Technological Research Foundation (Inzit) in Venezuela developed a chitosan-based biodegradable coating that helps preserve the freshness of fruit, preventing spoilage and water loss.
These properties were verified during technical trials, according to researcher María Muñoz, who added that “the project takes advantage of the properties of this biopolymer, extracted from crab exoskeletons, to create a highly effective semipermeable barrier.”
This biotechnological innovation offers a sustainable alternative for “reducing post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector, while maintaining the natural characteristics of consumable products.”
In the opinion of researcher Adrián Chávez, the coating slows down cellular respiration, thus reducing the consumption of sugars and total soluble solids (TSS) in the fruit.
One of the benefits is organoleptic preservation; that is, it helps to conserve the “physical and chemical properties and the original flavor of the food,” resulting in a longer shelf life.
M.Pino
Source: laprensademonagas
(Reference image source: Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash)
Follow our news on Google! For current, interesting, and accurate information, click here to see all the content on Bitfinance.news. You can also find us on X/Twitter and Instagram
