Biopolymer Application for Preservation of Tropical Fruits and Vegetables

Abstract

The increasing demand for fresh tropical fruits and vegetables from importing countries has promoted constant supply from Vietnam. However, the perishable nature of fresh commodities causes major postharvest losses upon long-distance transport and international export. Recently, the application of biopolymers as innovative, environmentally friendly packaging materials in the preservation industry has garnered significant scientific interest. This approach aims to maintain the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables while mitigating the environmental impacts associated with conventional nondegradable plastics. Several biopolymer-based films and coatings have been reported to prevent moisture, extend the shelf life, and maintain the desirable nutrient quality and sensory characteristics of the fresh produce. The preservation effectiveness is further enhanced by the synergistic effect derived from the combinations between biopolymers or between biopolymers and essential oils, natural extracts, or nanoparticles. These combinatory coatings improve mechanical strength, flexibility, and durability and exhibit potential biological activities while extending the shelf life of tested fruits and vegetables. The emergence of biopolymers in packaging technology in Vietnam has shown promising results for future improvements. This article reviews the recent use and underlying mechanisms of different biopolymer-based materials in the preservation of Vietnamese tropical fruits and vegetables such as banana, mango, and citrus fruits, followed by proposing possible composite materials and influencing factors for optimization and international safety regulations of biopolymer application in packaging technologies with the focus on Vietnam.