Biobased antimicrobial formulations and edible coatings for extending shelf life of fruits and vegetables

Overview

This solution offers biobased antimicrobial formulations (BAMFs) designed to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables. By combining natural spice and vegetable extracts—rich in terpenoids and phenolic compounds—with advanced encapsulation and edible coating technologies, the formulations provide an effective, consumer-friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives. The approach targets both spoilage organisms and foodborne pathogens while maintaining the sensory qualities of fresh produce. Potential applications include post-harvest preservation of fresh-cut fruits, whole vegetables, and other minimally processed produce across the food supply chain.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Synergistic combinations of natural antimicrobial extracts selected for potency against target microbial strains
• Nanoemulsions prepared by high-pressure homogenization for improved stability and uniform dispersion
• Nanoencapsulation within biopolymer-based edible coatings for controlled release of active compounds
• Enhanced barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and microbial contamination during storage
• Mechanistic understanding of structure-function relationships to optimize bioactivity
• Compatibility with direct application onto food surfaces or incorporation into coating matrices

Technology readiness level

The technology has been developed over 15 years of research and is currently validated at TRL 4 to 5 through pilot assays, peer-reviewed publications, and prior collaborations with industrial partners. The next planned validation phase includes antimicrobial screening, synergy testing, nanoemulsion optimization, and in situ trials on fruits and vegetables over storage conditions, with an estimated timeline of one year. The team is open to partnerships that can support prototype demonstration in a relevant environment, advancing the technology toward TRL 6.