Evaluation of Fruit Preservation in Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Blends Enhanced with Terpene-Derived Oligomers

• Grant number: 25/05064-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Roniérik Pioli Vieira
• Grantee: Anna Carolina Rutsatz Bartz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02728-0 - Development of films and hydrogels containing terpenes or derivative oligomers for active packaging and multifunctional medical devices applications, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

This project aims to comparatively evaluate the preservation potential of fruits stored in compostable PLA/PBAT-based packaging, a blend marketed as Ecovio®, enhanced with terpenes and oligoterpenes. Initially, different packaging designs, such as films and/or 3D-printed packaging, will be explored to determine a suitable model for shelf-life studies. To achieve this, a preliminary processing phase of the blend will be conducted, including the 3D printing of the additive-infused material. Subsequently, fruit preservation parameters will be investigated, including mass loss, firmness, pH, total solids content, and microbial proliferation. The expected results should confirm the extension of the shelf life of fruits stored in the packaging containing terpenic oligomers, while also enabling future research on the preservation of other food products. (AU)