Nanoemulsions as Edible Coatings: A Potential Strategy for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Preservation

Author(s)

de Oliveira Filho, Josemar Goncalves ^[1] ; Miranda, Marcela ^[1] ; Ferreira, Marcos David ^[2] ; Plotto, Anne ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Rodovia Araraquara Jau Km 1, BR-14800903 Araraquara, SP - Brazil

^[2] Embrapa Instrumentacao, Rua XV Novembro, 1452, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] ARS, Hort Res Lab, USDA, 2001 South Rock Rd, Ft Pierce, FL 34945 - USA

• Document type: Review article
• Source: FOODS; v. 10, n. 10 OCT 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Fresh fruits and vegetables are perishable commodities requiring technologies to extend their postharvest shelf life. Edible coatings have been used as a strategy to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to cold storage and/or controlled atmosphere. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a new strategy for improving coating properties. Coatings based on plant-source nanoemulsions in general have a better water barrier, and better mechanical, optical, and microstructural properties in comparison with coatings based on conventional emulsions. When antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds are incorporated into the coatings, nanocoatings enable the gradual and controlled release of those compounds over the food storage period better than conventional emulsions, hence increasing their bioactivity, extending shelf life, and improving nutritional produce quality. The main goal of this review is to update the available information on the use of nanoemulsions as coatings for preserving fresh fruits and vegetables, pointing to a prospective view and future applications.</p> (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/24612-9 - Application of nanoemulsions with essential oils as natural coatings for application in post-harvesting strawberry conservation
• Grantee: Josemar Gonçalves de Oliveira Filho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/10657-0 - Effect of ginger essential oil in nano-emulsion coatings on papaya: evaluation of aroma volatiles, fruit pathogens and post-harvest fruit decay
• Grantee: Marcela Miranda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 16/23419-5 - Application of ginger extracts as natural fungicid in nanoestrutured coatings on papaya fruit postharvest
• Grantee: Marcela Miranda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate