Chitosan-Based Antimicrobial Coating for Improving Postharvest Shelf Life of Pineapple

Rapid postharvest losses and quality deteriorations in pineapple are major challenges to growers and handlers. Chitosan-based coatings on fruit surfaces have gained importance in recent years to enhance postharvest shelf life of the fruits. In this study, aloe vera gel was added as a natural antioxidant in chitosan-based composite coating containing ZnO nanoparticles. The developed formulation was applied on the surface of freshly harvested pineapple fruits. ZnO nanoparticles were used as an antimicrobial agent. Coated pineapple fruits were evaluated for weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, decay index, maturity index, and sensory attributes, including visual appearance, periodically at 5 day interval during storage. The results showed that the coating of the fruit reduced weight loss by about 5%, and also delayed ripening and oxidative decay compared to the uncoated fruit. Thus, the developed coating formulation is a promising sustainable solution to reduce postharvest losses and to extend shelf life of pineapples.

Automated summary

This study developed a chitosan-based coating with aloe vera gel and ZnO nanoparticles to reduce weight loss and delay decay on pineapple surfaces. The coated fruits showed reduced weight loss by 5% and delayed ripening and oxidative decay, providing a promising sustainable solution for extending the shelf life of pineapples.