Effect of deep natural eutectic solvents on the physicochemical properties of chitosan and gelatin biofilms

• Grant number: 23/17420-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Stanislau Bogusz Junior
• Grantee: Beatriz Regina Albiero
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03229-8 - Synthesis, characterization and applications of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

A growing and consistent food production capable of meeting the exponential increase in the world's population is crucial to tackle the issue of global hunger. Furthermore, this increase in food production must be perfectly aligned with the sustainable development goals outlined in the United Nations' 2030 agenda, particularly Goal 12, which addresses responsible consumption and production. In this scenario, it is important to consider that each year there are post-harvest losses of fruits amounting to approximately 50% of the total production, primarily due to mechanical, physiological, or microbial damage. One strategy to reduce post-harvest losses of fruits is the use of edible film-forming solutions that create a protective film on the fruit surface. In this regard, polysaccharides such as chitosan and gelatin hold great potential for the production of these biofilms. However, their films do not always exhibit desirable physical properties for fruit coating. Therefore, the use of natural plasticizers, such as deep eutectic solvents (NADES), can enhance the physical properties of biofilms. In this research project, NADES will be synthesized, characterized, and applied as "green" and environmentally friendly plasticizers in the formulation of chitosan and gelatin-based biofilms for fruit coating, thereby extending their shelf life. The biofilms will be thoroughly characterized and then tested for coating papaya fruits during a 15-day refrigerated storage period, evaluating parameters such as weight loss, pH, texture, aroma, and microbial contamination. It is expected that these new coating materials will contribute to extending the post-harvest shelf life of papaya, providing valuable insights for the food chemistry and food industry.