Bio-effective protective layer for fruits and vegetables

Overview

Introducing a revolutionary bio-effective protective layer designed for fruits and vegetables, this coating technology offers high transparency and bacteriostatic properties. By applying the coating through immersion or spraying, it enhances product longevity without altering the natural appearance or taste. The coatings are practically invisible, tasteless, and imperceptible, ensuring consumer satisfaction. They prevent sagging and darkening, maintaining the freshness and quality of produce for extended periods, making them ideal for consumer and commercial applications.

Technical specifications

The coatings feature a composition of low-molecular thermoplastic starch with plasticizers, nanocellulose, and alkaline lignin, providing strong antibacterial properties. They are flexible, with high tensile strength, ensuring they do not crack or delaminate. The addition of lignin offers a high barrier to CO2 and O2, crucial for extending the shelf life of produce to at least 30 days when refrigerated. Furthermore, the coatings are vegan, non-allergenic, and environmentally neutral, making them safe for humans and animals. The application process is efficient, requiring no additional drying costs, and maintains the integrity of the fruits.

Technology readiness level

Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, this coating technology has undergone experimental studies demonstrating its physical, chemical, and functional benefits. Future validation aims to optimize viscosity, molecular weight, and adhesion properties, ensuring a uniform and stable coating layer. Additional research will focus on improving drying time and stability under various storage conditions, advancing towards higher TRL stages for commercial implementation.