Edible polysaccharide-based coating for fresh produce protection
This innovative edible coating, made from chitosan and pectin, offers a high gas barrier to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. It is water-based, environmentally friendly, and can be applied via dipping or spraying to reduce food and packaging waste.
Overview
The edible polysaccharide-based coating developed by Texas A&M University provides a novel solution for extending the shelf life of fresh produce. Composed of chitosan and pectin, this coating creates a high gas barrier that slows the ripening of fruits like bananas and prevents browning in apple slices. The coating is water-based and utilizes only edible biopolymers, making it safe for consumption and environmentally friendly. This innovative solution addresses the dual challenge of reducing food waste and packaging waste, offering significant benefits to both consumers and producers.
Technical specifications
- Composition: Chitosan (CH) and pectin (PT) polyelectrolyte complex
- Thickness: 800 nm for fruit applications, with potential for less than 1 µm
- Gas Barrier: Reduces oxygen transmission rate by over ten times compared to standard polyester film
- Application Methods: Can be applied by dipping or spraying
- Environmentally Friendly: Uses water-soluble, edible biopolymers under ambient conditions
- Future Enhancements: Exploring crosslinking with riboflavin to improve properties and reduce carbon footprint
Technology readiness level
The technology is at a TRL of 6, indicating that it has been demonstrated in relevant environments. Future plans include further development and testing to optimize coating performance, with ongoing collaboration opportunities available for partners such as Kraft-Heinz.
About Texas A&M University, College Station
Texas A&M University in College Station is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship of The Texas A&M University System, combining broad academic strengths with a strong applied‑research culture. Industry collaborates on the Texas A&M‑RELLIS campus—an integrated education, research and testing environment that supports large‑scale experimentation and proving grounds—and through the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s facilities in Bryan‑College Station. A statewide extension network connects university expertise to companies and communities across all Texas counties, enabling rapid piloting and deployment. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA and DoD, alongside state and industry sponsorship. Texas A&M Innovation provides IP management, licensing and commercialization pathways across the system.
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