Cell Wall and Cellular Membrane Integrity of Postharvest Tropical Fruits and Its Implications for Minimal Post-Processing Damage (Fresh-Cut): A Narrative Literature Review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Tropical fruits are commodities prone to post-harvest quality degradation, particularly when minimal processing (fresh-cut) involves peeling, cutting, and the formation of new tissue surfaces. This mechanical damage can accelerate changes in cell wall and membrane structures, thus affecting the texture, freshness, and stability of fruit tissue. This article aims to analyze the relationship between cell wall pectin degradation and cell membrane damage with textural changes and cytosolic leakage in post-harvest tropical fruit. The method used is a narrative literature review with a literature search through Google Scholar using keywords related to cell integrity, pectin, cell membrane, post-harvest, and fresh-cut fruit. Literature was selected based on topic relevance, year of publication, and its relationship to post-harvest physiology and fruit processing and storage technology. The results of the study indicate that tissue softening is related to changes in cell wall components, especially pectin, while membrane damage can increase cell permeability and cause the release of cytosolic components. Storage temperature, mechanical injury, water loss, and atmospheric conditions during storage can accelerate these changes. Temperature control, packaging, storage atmosphere, and coating technology can be used to slow the decline in tissue integrity. This study emphasizes the importance of maintaining cell wall and membrane structures simultaneously in managing the quality of fresh-cut fruit.
Source: Ambidextrous
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7225668444