Potential use of poly(lactic acid) nanofibers mats as Nano‐sachets in postharvest of climacteric fruits and vegetables

Abstract

This study is reported as the first demonstration of the use of solution blow spun mats in a Nano‐sachet system containing a humidity absorber hydrogel and a paraffin wax tablet impregnated with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) for exogenous ethylene (ex‐C2H4) oxidation, in order to delay fruit ripening. The tomatoes quality during storage time was characterized by gas chromatography (GC) (ethylene concentration and CO2 emission analysis—respiration rate), and colorimetry (green/red color parameter). Ex‐C2H4 production over storage time was reduced for the Nano‐sachet system when compared to the control system. Color changes, from 72 to 120 h, displayed fruit still predominantly green in the Nano‐Sachet system (a* from −9.1 to −6.9), color transition green‐red in the TNT‐sachet (−7.5 to −0.3) and increased red color fruit in the control system (−6.1 to 3.7). This work suggests that nanofibrous mats can be used as a packaging system with the ability to protect, potentialize ethylene oxidation and extend climacteric fruits and vegetables quality in shelf life.