Edible functional coating for extending fruit and vegetable shelf life
Innovative edible coating technology using biopolymer films to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Incorporates functional compounds for enhanced safety and quality, with proven lab-scale success and ready for pilot-scale testing.
Overview
The edible functional coating developed by Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II aims to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. It utilizes a thin layer of biopolymer film that moderates the exchange of gases and moisture between the food and its environment. By incorporating functional compounds such as antimicrobials and antioxidants, the coating enhances the safety and quality of produce. This innovation is particularly valuable for preserving the freshness and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, thereby reducing food waste.
Technical specifications
The coating is formulated with soybean oil wet gums, which serve as thickeners, gelling agents, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. These components improve the mechanical and barrier properties of the coating and enable controlled release of active compounds. The technology involves a mixing unit and a high-pressure homogenization unit to produce complex coatings at a semi-industrial scale. The formulation will be optimized by testing different blends of polysaccharides and proteins to achieve the desired stability and viscosity for various fruits. Key parameters like rheological properties, particle size distribution, and z-potential will be analyzed to ensure optimal performance.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, this edible coating technology has been validated at the lab scale and is ready for pilot-scale testing. The next steps include optimization of formulations and scaling up production to validate its efficacy in extending the shelf life of selected fruits.
About Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Founded in 1224, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II is a comprehensive public research university serving a large student body and an extensive clinical enterprise. Industry engagement is anchored by the San Giovanni a Teduccio campus, which co‑locates engineering facilities, the Apple Developer Academy, corporate partners, and startup incubators in a revitalized industrial district. The university’s integration with a major hospital system enables clinical research, trials, and translation, while proximity to the Port of Naples and regional manufacturers supports pilot testing and workforce pipelines. Research is supported by competitive funding from the European Commission and Italian national and regional programs. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinout creation, with collaborative doctoral pathways and internships connecting companies to emerging talent.
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