Nano-engineered antimicrobial spray coatings for produce preservation
A cutting-edge nano-engineered antimicrobial coating that can be quickly sprayed onto fruits and vegetables, significantly extending shelf life by protecting against spoilage and pathogens. This innovative technology leverages nanotech advances from materials science to improve postharvest preservation, offering a versatile, food-safe solution that can replace or supplement traditional methods like wax coatings and cold storage.
Overview
This innovative nano-coating technology involves a nano-thin, material-independent layer that adheres rapidly to produce surfaces, forming a protective film within seconds. Using food-safe compounds, the coating creates a nanoscale barrier that uniformly covers various textures and shapes of fruits and vegetables. Embedded with natural antimicrobials such as silver nanoparticles or plant-derived compounds, it inhibits bacterial and fungal growth, thereby reducing spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Lab tests and pilot trials have demonstrated significantly prolonged shelf life for treated produce like mandarins and strawberries, making it a promising solution for supply chains, especially in regions lacking consistent refrigeration.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Rapid spray application forming a nano-thin, protective film
- Incorporation of natural antimicrobials for microbial inhibition
- Compatibility with various produce textures and shapes
- Based on nanotechnology techniques such as nanoparticle synthesis and chemical vapor deposition
- Food-safe compounds ensuring consumer safety
- Potential to replace or reduce reliance on cold storage and chemical preservatives
Technology readiness level
This nano-coating technology is currently in the development stage, with ongoing pilot trials and patent protections. It has demonstrated promising results in lab and pilot settings, showing potential for commercial deployment once scaled and validated through further field studies. Future efforts are focused on optimizing application methods, ensuring safety, and scaling production for broader industrial use.
About Texas A&M University, College Station
Texas A&M University in College Station is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship of The Texas A&M University System, combining broad academic strengths with a strong applied‑research culture. Industry collaborates on the Texas A&M‑RELLIS campus—an integrated education, research and testing environment that supports large‑scale experimentation and proving grounds—and through the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s facilities in Bryan‑College Station. A statewide extension network connects university expertise to companies and communities across all Texas counties, enabling rapid piloting and deployment. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA and DoD, alongside state and industry sponsorship. Texas A&M Innovation provides IP management, licensing and commercialization pathways across the system.
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