The spoilage of fruits and vegetables increases during the summer. Recent research suggests that shelf life can be extended using melatonin and cellulose nanofibers derived from onion skins, potentially reducing reliance on cold chain distribution and plastic packaging.
In a study led by Benedetto Marelli from MIT and Sarojam Rajani from the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory in Singapore, it was found that melatonin, known for aiding human sleep, can also prolong the shelf life of vegetables. The team published their findings in 'Nano Letters' by the American Chemical Society. Experiments involved injecting bok choy with 22 micrograms of melatonin using microneedles made from biodegradable silk. This method extended the vegetable's shelf life by four days at 25°C and by ten days under refrigeration. The treatment also kept cabbage fresh beyond its usual display life.
Melatonin's role in reducing plant stress by slowing chlorophyll degradation appears promising for maintaining freshness without cold storage. Although the research was initially manual, the team envisions scaling up with agricultural machinery and potential drone applications.
In India, Poornima Vijayan from Sri Narayana College conducted research published in Hybrid Advances, focusing on the extension of fruit shelf life using cellulose nanofibers from onion skins. These cellulose nanofibers were combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and curcumin to create a coating solution for oranges. This method improved the orange's shelf life beyond the standard 13 days. The biodegradable film, thanks to PVA's properties, provides enhanced moisture and heat resistance, crucial for climate conditions in regions like India.
The production of cellulose nanofibers at the nanometer scale presents opportunities for reducing agricultural waste and dependence on non-degradable plastic packaging. The application of these innovations aligns with reducing fresh produce wastage, which can account for up to 30% due to ripening issues post-harvest.
Source: ChosunBiz
