Enhancement of Strawberry Shelf Life via a Multisystem Coating Based on Lippia graveolens Essential Oil Loaded in Polymeric Nanocapsules

Abstract

Strawberries (Fragaria xannanasa) are susceptible to mechanical, physical, and physiological damage, which increases their incidence of rot during storage. Therefore, a method of protection is necessary in order to minimize quality losses. One way to achieve this is by applying polymer coatings. In this study, multisystem coatings were created based on polymer nanocapsules loaded with Lippia graveolens essential oil, and it was found to have excellent optical, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties compared to the control (coating formed with alginate and with nanoparticles without the essential oil). As for the strawberries coated with the multisystem formed from the polymer nanocapsules loaded with the essential oil of Lippia graveolens, these did not present microbial growth and only had a loss of firmness of 17.02% after 10 days of storage compared to their initial value. This study demonstrated that the multisystem coating formed from the polymer nanocapsules loaded with the essential oil of Lippia graveolens could be a viable alternative to preserve horticultural products for longer storage periods.

Active Packaging for Strawberry and Coriander: A Natural Extract Impregnated Paper

“…Recently, biodegradable packaging materials containing essential oils have been utilized for strawberries by Gonzaĺez-Moreno et al, 2024. 9 In fact, a commercially available product called "FreshPaper", in paper form, by the US-based company Freshglow, utilizes this technology to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, there are a few patents covering citrus extract and fenugreek extract.…”

“…Bioactive packaging which incorporates the active ingredient into the polymeric matrix was developed using impregnation. Recently, biodegradable packaging materials containing essential oils have been utilized for strawberries by González-Moreno et al, 2024 . In fact, a commercially available product called “FreshPaper”, in paper form, by the US-based company Freshglow, utilizes this technology to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.…”