Photocatalytic zein-TiO2 nanofibers as ethylene absorbers for storage of cherry tomatoes

This study is focused on the production of zein-TiO2 nanofibers produced through electrospinning and the evaluation of such fibers as ethylene absorbers when used to improve the storage of cherry tomatoes. Zein (30 % (w/v)) were dissolved in 70 % (v/v) ethanol and incorporated with TiO2 (0 %-5 %). The polymer solutions were evaluated for their electrical conductivity and viscosity, and the nanofibers were evaluated for their morphology, size distribution, thermal properties, Fourier transform infrared and water contact angle. The nanofibers with the smallest diameter were selected for testing as ethylene absorbers in the storage of cherry tomatoes for 22 days. The addition of TiO2 reduced the diameter of the nanofibers and altered their thermal properties. Interactions between the zein and TiO2 were observed based on the infrared spectrum. Containers with sachet of nanofibers exhibited a lower concentration of ethylene, demonstrating their significant potential for use as an active food packaging.