Innovative use of Fe2O3-modified TiO2 coated PE foam for extending the freshness of Barracuda mango

Abstract

Preserving fruits after harvest has been challenging, especially Barracuda mangoes because they are highly perishable produce. This paper takes a novel approach incorporating the use of Fe₂O₃-modified TiO₂ (Fe₂O₃/TiO₂) coated polyethylene (PE) foam fruit nets to enhance the shelf life of those mangoes. Various aspects of the study include identifying characterization techniques used in Fe₂O₃/TiO₂. The synthesized TiO₂ particles were analyzed for particle size distribution and size to get the optimum properties for the coating effectiveness. The study examined the methylene blue (MB) degradation mechanism. A UV–Vis spectrometer was used to determine the optical properties of the Fe₂O₃-modified TiO₂, SEM was used to analyze the surface of the coated PE foam nets, indicating even distribution and strong adhesion of the TiO₂ particles. An energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) test was performed together with an SEM analysis to determine the content of conductive elements and to ensure that Fe was modified into the TiO₂ structure. This research confirms that Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ coatings effectively increase mangoes’ shelf life through their negative impact on microbial growth and the slowing of other ripening processes. Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ at the maximum concentration of 1.0 % w/v further showed a considerable shelf-life extension of 130.23 % to the control sample without coating. Experimental results revealed that the Fe-modified TiO₂ materials performed better in MB degradation tests than unmodified TiO₂. The study also established that the photocatalytic effect of TiO₂ is improved upon Fe modified because the bandgap is also reduced hence improved antimicrobial efficacy when exposed for a short time under fluorescent light. As a contribution to solving the problem of food waste and disease control in technology after the harvest, this study has identified the possibility of using Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ coatings. Further work should also concentrate on enhancing the use of coating to fit the requirements for large-scale application of this technology.