Enhancing the Postharvest Life of Cucumber and Papaya Using Bionanofibers Extracted from Agricultural Wastes

Abstract

Postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables in tropical and subtropical countries remain a major challenge due to their perishable nature and short shelf life, despite a rapidly growing market. To reduce these losses, we extracted cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from rice husk pulp and chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) from shrimp-shell pulp as sustainable coatings for cucumbers and papayas. When applied simply by dipping or spraying at concentrations of 0.5% (CNFs) and 0.75% (ChNFs), as well as a composite (1:1 w/w) of both nanofibers (CChNFs), these coatings were found to extend shelf life by slowing postharvest respiration/oxidation through creating a gas barrier and inhibiting new microbial growth. Results showed that cucumbers coated with CNFs, ChNFs, and CChNFs remained fresh as studied for up to 4 weeks, and papayas maintained quality for 3 weeks under normal atmospheric storage conditions, compared with 5–14 days for uncoated ones. The nanofiber coatings reduced weight loss and new microbial growth with CNFs showing the best performance. Furthermore, the gas permeability of the coating might be modulated on demand for different produce types. These findings highlight the potential of biobased CNFs and ChNFs as sustainable, biodegradable options for improving the postharvest preservation of perishable produce that would help cut food waste and boost food security.