Hass avocadoes are one of the most popular fruits consumed worldwide because of their nutritional and nutraceutical content. Nevertheless, these fruits are susceptible to phytopathogen attacks that decrease fruit quality during the postharvest period. Herein we present the results of the in situ fungistatic activity of four hybrid films (FT1–FT4) manufactured with chitosan and different concentrations of the essential oil of thyme (TvEO). The films were evaluated as biodegradable materials to prevent fruit decay triggered by Clonostachys rosea which is considered an emergent phytopathogen of this crop. The in situ fungistatic strength, spectroscopic properties (FT-IR), optical features (transmittance/opacity), and consistency obtained by microscopic analysis (SEM), indicated that the films FT3 and FT4 possessed the best physicochemical properties to protect Hass avocadoes against the soft rot produced by C. rosea. Avocadoes treated with the films FT3 and FT4 significantly (p < 0.01) conserved fruit firmness and nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, and reducing sugars) as well as the nutraceutical content (oleic, palmitoleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids) of infected avocados for 21 days. Our results validate the potential use of the films FT3 and FT4 to prevent the soft rot caused by C. rosea and to improve the shelf life of Hass avocadoes.

Membranes made of carbon nanotubes and cellulose acetate with polyacrylic acid were designed in order to study their properties and their applicability for chromium removal. The membranes were prepared by phase inversion method using cellulose acetate and polyacrylic acid. Carbon nanotubes were added to the membrane during their process of synthesis in proportions of 1% by weight. The pores in the material are formed in layers, giving the effect of depth and forming a network. Both the carbon nanotubes and membranes were characterized by IR, Raman, and SEM spectroscopy. In addition, the concentration of acidic and basic sites and the surface charge in the materials were determined. The concentration of acid sites for oxidized nanotubes was 4.0 meq/g. The removal of Cr(VI) was studied as a function of contact time and of initial concentration of Cr(VI). The removal of Cr(VI) (~90%) mainly occurs in a contact time from 32 to 64 h when the initial concentration of Cr(VI) is 1 mg/L.

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