Effect of Waste Green Algal Biomass Extract Incorporated Chitosan-Based Edible Coating on the Shelf Life and Quality Attributes of Tomato

Abstract

A de-oiled crude green algal ethanolic extract (CAEE) incorporated chitosan (CS)-based edible coating material was formulated and applied on red tomatoes, aiming to minimize postharvest loss and prolonging the shelf life with improved quality attributes. The waste biomass of Dunaliella tertiolecta was subjected to ultrasound-assisted solid−liquid extraction for obtaining an antioxidant-rich extract. Response surface methodology was used for optimizing the process of extraction. The coating materials were developed by mixing the aqueous CS (1 wt %) solution in mild acetic acid medium (0.3% v/v) with CAEE at varying concentrations (0, 2, and 4% w/v). Millipore water was used as a control coating material for drawing the comparison. The coated and control tomatoes were stored for 30 days under ambient conditions (27−30 °C and 60−70% RH). The results indicated that the tomatoes coated with CS/CAEE 4% coating formulation exhibited superior effectiveness for extending the shelf life with improved physicochemical properties such as DPPH antioxidant activity; reducing sugar, lycopene, and ascorbic acid contents; and firmness by restricting faster respiration and ripening rates during ambient storage.

Chitosan Based Biodegradable Composite for Antibacterial Food Packaging Application

“…EGCG enhanced the water vapor barrier properties, increased thermal stability, increased tensile strength, and increased UV-light barrier properties [ 69 ]. Further, a de-oiled crude green algal ethanolic extract (CAEE) was incorporated into chitosan films to minimize postharvest loss and prolong the shelf life of tomatoes ( Figure 4 ) [ 70 ]. Chitosan composite with polysaccharides improves their physical and mechanical properties, depicted in Table 1 .…”

“… Photograph of tomato: ( a ) control, ( b ) nCS, ( c ) CS/CAEE 2%, ( d ) CS/CAEE 4%, at a specific storage day [ 70 ]. …”

Burst and Physicochemical Characteristics of Glycerol-Added Chitosan Films for Food Packaging

“…Chitosan of purity >99.9% is expensive and is used for the biomedical industry and wound dressing. , Chitosan is extensively used in cosmetics, , water treatment, , fertilizers, , and as a protein supplement in animal husbandry. It is used in food industries either as a packaging material − or as a coating material to improve the shelf life of vegetables and meat products. , …”

Toward an Equilibrium: Zero Hunger and Food Safety as Targets

“…5 In another study, the extract of waste Dunaliella tertiolecta biomass (green alga) was used as a biofiller for a chitosan-based biocomposite edible coating formulation, affording good results that prolong the shelf life of tomatoes for more than one month under ambient conditions. 6 Also, the effect of saffron on chitosan/pullulan (Chi/Pul)based edible binary composite films was studied. The film obtained showed better ultraviolet protection properties without a loss of transparency.…”

“…Also, they allow an active release of different substances, such as antioxidants or antimicrobial compounds . In another study, the extract of waste Dunaliella tertiolecta biomass (green alga) was used as a biofiller for a chitosan-based biocomposite edible coating formulation, affording good results that prolong the shelf life of tomatoes for more than one month under ambient conditions . Also, the effect of saffron on chitosan/pullulan (Chi/Pul)-based edible binary composite films was studied.…”