Work

Fresh-keeping effect of corrugated cartons incorporating basil essential oil microemulsions on post-harvest grape preservation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The fresh-keeping effect of basil essential oil microemulsion (BEO-ME) coated cartons on Kyoho grape preservation was systematically investigated. The optimal composition of BEO-ME, determined through pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, consisted of Tween 80 as the surfactant and ethanol as the co-surfactant, with a Tween 80 to ethanol mass ratio of 3:1 and a mixed surfactant to basil essential oil mass ratio of 8:2. The prepared BEO-ME exhibited a spherical morphology, uniform particle size distribution, and excellent stability. The mechanical properties of the BEO-ME coated cartons were retained at over 85 %, thereby ensuring effective protection of the packaged contents. These coated cartons were applied to Kyoho grape packaging, and their preservation performance was comprehensively assessed by monitoring mass loss rate, hardness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C content, malondialdehyde concentration, and the activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. In addition, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis was conducted. The results revealed that the coated cartons significantly enhanced grape freshness, extending the shelf life to more than 15 days, thereby offering a novel, sustainable, and environmentally friendly strategy for fruit preservation.

Source: LWT

DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2025.118853

Authors: Lin Wang, Qing Zhang, Yan Zhang

Institution: Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy

Language: English

Topic: Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life Management

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240