Washable essential oil emulsion coatings for organic produce shelf life and safety
Innovative washable essential oil emulsion coatings are being developed to extend the shelf life and enhance the safety of organic fruits and vegetables. These coatings, compliant with organic standards, aim to reduce fungi and foodborne pathogens, addressing key challenges in organic produce preservation.
Overview
The project focuses on creating organic-compliant essential oil (EO) emulsion coatings designed to improve the shelf life and safety of organic produce, such as fruits and vegetables. These coatings incorporate natural antimicrobial properties of essential oils like cinnamon, clove, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme, which are tested for their effectiveness against pathogens and spoilage organisms. The coatings are also designed to be washable, facilitating consumer and producer handling while maintaining organic standards.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Formulation of organic-compliant EO emulsion coatings
- Antimicrobial activity against fungi and foodborne pathogens
- Washable and easy to remove
- Tested on various organic produce including berries, melons, and more
- Focus on safety, shelf life extension, and consumer acceptability
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently in development, with ongoing formulation and testing phases. It aims to address the needs of organic producers by providing a natural, safe, and effective solution for postharvest preservation. The project includes extension activities to train producers and packers, with a goal of commercialization and wider adoption in the organic sector.
About University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university—the flagship of the UT System—classified as R1 and serving more than 40,000 students. Industry engagement is anchored by the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm, where corporate R&D and joint university–national lab facilities sit just across the river from campus, including assets such as the Volkswagen Innovation Hub and an AT&T 5G testbed. UT’s long‑standing partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory—via UT‑Battelle and the UT–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute—gives companies streamlined access to national lab capabilities, talent, and joint programs. A statewide Extension network and established co‑op programs connect companies to faculty expertise and student talent across Tennessee and into federal labs. Research is supported by competitive federal sponsors such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. Commercialization is managed by the University of Tennessee Research Foundation, which handles IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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