Chitosan-gelatin biofilm coating for extended shelf-life of fresh produce
A chitosan-gelatin biofilm coating enhanced with essential oils and cold plasma treatment to improve barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, extending fresh produce shelf-life by preventing spoilage and dehydration.
Overview
The innovative chitosan-gelatin biofilm coating is designed to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce by leveraging natural, biodegradable materials. This solution integrates chitosan for its antimicrobial properties and gelatin for flexibility and moisture retention. Essential oils like thyme and clove are incorporated to enhance barrier and bioactive properties, preventing microbial spoilage and oxidative damage. The application of cold plasma treatment further improves the coating's adhesion, hydrophobicity, and gas barrier characteristics, making it a robust and sustainable solution for minimizing spoilage, dehydration, and browning of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Technical specifications
- Chitosan: Provides antimicrobial activity and forms durable films.
- Gelatin: Enhances flexibility and moisture retention of the biofilm.
- Essential Oils: Thyme and clove oils add potent barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
- Cold Plasma Treatment: Non-thermal technology that enhances adhesion and gas barrier properties while activating the biopolymer matrix for better oil dispersion.
- Applications: Suitable for high-value produce like berries, leafy greens, grapes, avocado slices, and apple slices.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, with laboratory methods established for treating film-forming solutions. Future validation will involve optimizing the formulation and conducting performance tests on various fresh produce to ensure safety and effectiveness in extending shelf-life.
About University of British Columbia
UBC is a comprehensive public research university with major campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan, among Canada’s largest and most internationally connected. Industry engages through a co-op talent pipeline and collaborative research spaces that include co-located clinical settings and on‑campus testbeds. A dedicated technology transfer office brokers partnerships, manages IP and licensing, and is complemented by an active venture accelerator and incubator network. Research is supported by competitive funding from Canada’s Tri‑Council agencies (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) and infrastructure investments from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, alongside provincial and industry sponsorship.
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