RIPLESS: A natural biostimulant for extending shelf life of fruits and vegetables
RIPLESS is a patented biostimulant designed to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by using a natural oil-in-water nanoemulsion. It reduces postharvest decay in stone fruits and improves preharvest quality in tomatoes, with potential applications in other crops.
Overview
RIPLESS is an innovative natural biostimulant aimed at extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Developed by the Universitat de Barcelona, this patented solution utilizes an oil-in-water nanoemulsion containing natural plant antioxidants. Initially validated for postharvest use in stone fruits, RIPLESS has shown to reduce pathogen incidence by 40% and maintain fruit firmness. Recent studies have demonstrated its efficacy as a preharvest biostimulant, extending the shelf life of tomatoes by more than 25%.
Technical specifications
- Formulation: Oil-in-water nanoemulsion
- Active Ingredients: Natural plant antioxidants
- Applications:
- Postharvest: Effective in stone fruits like cherries and plums
- Preharvest: Validated in tomatoes, with potential in lettuce and arugula
- Benefits:
- Reduces postharvest losses by over 25%
- Extends shelf life by 4–5 days
- Enhances firmness and reduces pathogen incidence
Technology readiness level
RIPLESS is currently at TRL 4, having been validated in laboratory settings and small-scale field trials. Further validation is planned through field trials on commercial tomato varieties and perishable leafy vegetables like lettuce and arugula. The project seeks industry partnerships to accelerate market introduction and further validation.
About Universitat de Barcelona
The Universitat de Barcelona is a large, comprehensive public research university with an urban footprint across the city and a strong international profile. Industry connects through a university‑affiliated science and technology park that co‑locates companies with academic groups, providing shared labs, prototyping and pilot‑scale facilities, and on‑site incubation. Clinical translation is enabled by integration with leading teaching hospitals, and proximity to Barcelona’s innovation districts and global transport links supports collaboration with multinational R&D teams. Research is backed by competitive European Union programs and Spanish and Catalan public funding, and a dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, startup formation, and collaboration agreements.
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