Fabrication of bio-based hierarchically structured ethylene scavenger films via electrospraying for fruit preservation

One-third of the global food production goes to waste, and fruits and vegetables constitute the majority of this proportion. The phytohormone ethylene is the main cause of postharvest decay of fruits and vegetables, and thus, the effective regulation of ethylene is crucial to address the global challenge of postharvest food waste. Con-ventional methods, such as the use of metal-based scavengers, chemical additives, and nondegradable coatings, exhibit significant health and environmental issues. Thus, in this study, we fabricated bio-based ethylene scavenger films composed of paper towel (PT) microfibers coated with zein-Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch. gum (ASKG) nanoparticles (NPs) with core-shell structures via electrospraying. After 15 days of incubation, bananas in the presence of these films exhibited a lower browning rate, higher hardness, and longer shelf life than the banana without an ethylene scavenger film. The hierarchical structure of the films endowed them with several chemical and physical characteristics advantageous to their application as ethylene scavenger films in fruit preservation. While the presence of numerous active functional groups of zein and the high specific surface area of the NPs enhanced the ethylene removal efficiency of the films, the favorable porosity, hydrophobicity, and mechanical properties of the films enhanced their longevity. Thus, the zein-ASKG NPs@PT films fabricated in this study provide an efficient, safe, and sustainable strategy for fruit preservation.

Automated summary

One-third of global food production is wasted, with fruits and vegetables being the major contributors. A study found that using bio-based ethylene scavenger films made of paper towel microfibers coated with zein-Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch gum nanoparticles can effectively extend the shelf life of fruits, reduce browning rate, and increase hardness. These films have the potential to be used in fruit preservation.