Bioactive Coatings Enriched with Cuticle Components from Tomato Wastes for Cherry Tomatoes Preservation

Tomato is an important source of carotenoids and natural antioxidant compounds with potential health benefits. However, being a climacteric fruit, tomato shelf life is usually shortened due to its high respiration rate. In this study, coatings based on Locust bean gum (Lbg) incorporating different concentrations of cutin monomers and/or cuticular wax from tomato pomace were evaluated for their efficacy in extending tomatoes' shelf life. Physicochemical properties of coated tomatoes were determined in terms of firmness, weight loss, respiration rate, antioxidant capacity and peel color over 28 days of cold storage. Likewise, their antifungal potential in controlling fungal decay of inoculated tomatoes was evaluated. Lbg/cutin monomers coatings reduced weight and firmness losses of coated tomatoes respectively in the range of 44-53% and 50-57% at day 28. The applied coatings were able to retain antioxidant activity and delay color changes and respiration rate. Lbg/cutin monomers reduced fungal decay rate of inoculated tomatoes in the range of 55-60% at day 4. Fitting circular economy objectives, Lbg/cutin monomers coatings can be recommended as an effective postharvest treatment for cherry tomatoes preservation.

Automated summary

The study evaluated coatings based on Locust bean gum (Lbg) with cutin monomers from tomato pomace in extending tomato shelf life, reducing weight and firmness losses, retaining antioxidant activity, delaying color changes, and reducing fungal decay rate. The coatings showed to be effective in postharvest treatment for cherry tomatoes preservation, aligning with circular economy objectives.