Guichen Liu, Rong Liu, Chengyu Fu, Xiang Hu, Ke Li, Luke Yan, Peng Yang, Jian Zhao
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The increasing pace of modern life has led to the widespread popularity of fresh-cut fruits among consumers. However, their susceptibility to spoilage and short shelf life remains a significant challenge. Thus, there is an urgent need for simple, eco-friendly, low-cost, and energy-efficient preservation strategies. Herein, we report a novel method based on amyloid-like protein aggregation. Fresh-cut fruits are immersed in an aqueous solution containing lysozyme, L-cysteine, and pectin under ambient conditions, forming a ~ 12 nm thick, transparent, and colorless proteinaceous nanocoating embedded with pectin on the fruit surface. This nanocoating preserves the fruit's natural appearance and visual appeal while forming an ordered amyloid-like structure that strongly adheres to moist surfaces and offers excellent barrier properties. When applied to polyethylene (PE) film, the nanocoating reduces O2, CO2, and water vapor permeability of PE film by 48%, 62%, and 17%, respectively. In addition, the lysozyme-based coating provides effective protection against microbial contamination. Compared to untreated apples, coated samples exhibit a slower deterioration rate and an extended shelf life from 2 to 4 days at room temperature, as demonstrated by delayed weight loss, reduced firmness loss, and inhibited browning. Biochemical assays show minimal increases in malondialdehyde, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase levels during storage, indicating attenuation of oxidative and enzymatic degradation. Meanwhile, total soluble solids and vitamin C levels remain largely stable. In vitro cytotoxicity assays and mice feeding studies confirm the nanocoating's safety and edibility. This versatile, sustainable approach is broadly applicable to fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and offers a promising biomass-based solution to help reduce global food waste.
期刊介绍:
The Chemical Engineering Journal is an international research journal that invites contributions of original and novel fundamental research. It aims to provide an international platform for presenting original fundamental research, interpretative reviews, and discussions on new developments in chemical engineering. The journal welcomes papers that describe novel theory and its practical application, as well as those that demonstrate the transfer of techniques from other disciplines. It also welcomes reports on carefully conducted experimental work that is soundly interpreted. The main focus of the journal is on original and rigorous research results that have broad significance. The Catalysis section within the Chemical Engineering Journal focuses specifically on Experimental and Theoretical studies in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis, molecular catalysis, and biocatalysis. These studies have industrial impact on various sectors such as chemicals, energy, materials, foods, healthcare, and environmental protection.