Papaya is a fruit of great importance worldwide. However, significant losses during postharvest have been reported, which can be minimized by applying lipid nanoemulsions as edible coatings associated with natural antimicrobial compounds. These coatings provide a barrier to gases and water vapor, in addition to improving mechanical properties, thereby delaying natural senescence and minimizing deterioration by phytopathogens during storage. The aim of this study was to investigate the preservation potential of papaya fruits treated with an edible coating based on an association between carnauba wax nanoemulsion (CWN) and Cymbopogon martinii essential oil (CEO). Coatings formulated with CWN and/or CEO were applied to papaya fruits, and resulted in late ripening during the 12-day storage period, without negatively affecting postharvest fruit quality parameters. The coatings reduced weight loss and maintained firmness, in addition to delaying changes in fruit color during storage. Coatings formulated with CWN + CEO were the most efficient formulations in reducing the incidence and severity of fruit rots during storage. CWN coatings incorporating CEO present additional functionalities in maintaining postharvest quality parameters of papaya fruits.
Arrowroot starch (AA)-based lms incorporated with a carnauba wax nanoemulsion (CWN), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and essential oils (EOs) from Mentha spicata (MEO) and Cymbopogon martinii (CEO) were produced using the casting technique and then characterized in terms of their water barrier, tensile, thermal, optical, and microstructural properties and in vitro antifungal activity against Rhizopus stolonifer and Botrytis cinerea. Whereas the incorporation of CNCs decreased the moisture content and water vapor permeability of the AA/CWN/CNC lm, the additional incorporation of either EO decreased the transparency and affected the microstructure of the AA/CWN/CNC/EO nanocomposites. MEO and CEO incorporation improved the thermal stability of the lms and provided excellent protection against fruit-spoiling fungi. Because of their excellent barrier properties against fungal growth, water vapor permeability, and ultraviolet and visible light, these AA/CWN/CNC/EO lms have promising potential for application as active food packaging or coating materials.
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