Sustainable bio-film coatings to extend fresh produce shelf-life

Overview

E3Bioworks presents an innovative solution to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce through the development of sustainable bio-film coatings. These coatings are formulated from plant-derived materials, naturally found in fruit and vegetable skins, to create a protective barrier around produce. This barrier helps in slowing moisture loss, delaying oxidative damage, and providing antimicrobial protection, thereby maintaining the quality and freshness of the produce for a longer period.

Technical specifications

The coatings are composed of naturally complexed fatty acids, optionally combined with protective proteins, to enhance their effectiveness. The formulations are developed using green solvent extraction methods, ensuring that they are environmentally friendly and sustainable. Key features include:

• Moisture retention: Reduces moisture loss in produce, extending freshness.
• Antimicrobial properties: Reduces microbial contamination, helping prevent spoilage.
• Sustainability: Utilizes organically-certified, plant-derived materials.
• Compliance: Developed to meet U.S. and Canadian regulatory standards.

Phase 1 involves the formulation of coatings using food-grade, sustainable ingredients optimized for refrigeration, with testing on berries and sliced avocado to assess their effectiveness as gas barriers and antimicrobial agents. Phase 2 will focus on operational testing, evaluating dehydration reduction, microbial inhibition, and organoleptic factors over a 90-day period.

Technology readiness level

The technology is currently at TRL 3, with ongoing development aimed at advancing formulation stability, scalability, and regulatory compliance. E3Bioworks is seeking partnerships to accelerate progress and overcome challenges related to ingredient sourcing, formulation repeatability, and consumer acceptability.