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.