Microbial polymer coatings for extended shelf life of fresh produce

Overview

Nat4Bio presents a groundbreaking solution for extending the shelf life of fresh produce through the use of microbial polymer-based coatings. These biodegradable coatings are designed to significantly reduce postharvest spoilage by sealing harvest wounds and providing tailored physical properties such as viscosity, elasticity, and gas permeability. The formulations are optimized for specific fruit types, ensuring enhanced adhesion and efficacy. By leveraging AI models, Nat4Bio refines these coatings to provide a natural and cost-effective alternative to synthetic waxes, plastic wraps, and fungicides.

Technical specifications

• Biodegradable Coatings: Customizable formulations based on microbial polymers with adjustable viscosity, elasticity, and gas permeability.
• AI Optimization: Utilizes AI models to predict and refine formulations for different fruit types, enhancing efficacy.
• 2-in-1 Application: Combines coating and fungicide properties for seamless integration into existing workflows.
• Proven Efficacy: In commercial trials, N4B Citrus outperformed all biological treatments and matched synthetic efficacy for lemons and oranges.
• Versatile Applications: Market-tested MVPs for apples, pears, avocados, and blueberries, with ongoing development for tomatoes, grapes, and mangoes.

Technology readiness level

This technology is at TRL 6, having been validated in commercial packinghouse trials and with plans for further large-scale validation in 2025. Current efforts are focused on finalizing regulatory approvals and conducting pilot projects in Argentina and the United States to bolster the technology's market readiness.