Nectarine Coated with Biopolymeric Nanocapsules Containing Eugenol to Control Brown Rot

Abstract

Infections in fruits caused by fungi reduce the quantity and quality of food for human consumption, in addition to causing economic losses. In this sense, this study aimed to address the effects of eugenol nanocapsules (NCs) based on chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose in protecting nectarines against Monilinia fructicola, a brown rot agent, a worldwide important disease. NCs were prepared by layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly starting from an anionic template and deposition with up to two polymeric layers. The hydrodynamic diameters ranged from 158 nm (nanoemulsion), 360 nm (one polymeric layer) to 398 nm (two polymeric layers). NCs presented, during the in vitro release, the release of eugenol following a first order process. In addition to being in the region of stability (zeta potential ca. |30| mV), the capsules showed good adhesion to the nectarine surface. In relation to brown rot, the eugenol NCs with chitosan proved to be the best formulation compared to nanoemulsion and NCs with two polymeric layers for its control, increasing the probability that the fruits remain without symptoms, even after 7 days. Therefore, this study demonstrated that chitosan NCs containing eugenol could be an alternative to preserve fruit for longer periods in post-harvest.

Extending the Shelf-Life of Nectarines through Fish Gelatin/Cellulose Nanocrystals/Cinnamon Essential Oil-Based Edible Coatings

“…Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of different coating formulations to preserve the quality of the nectarines during storage. For example, coatings made of zein and containing nisin [31], coatings made of carboxy-methyl cellulose and Arabic gum [32,33], eugenol-based nanocapsule coatings based on chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose [34], multilayer coatings of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose, alone and in combination with marigold, moringa, and eucalyptus extracts [35,36], and coatings prepared using sodium chloride and salicylic acid [37] were successfully developed.…”