Bio-Packaging Material Impact on Blueberries Quality Attributes under Transport and Marketing Conditions

Abstract

Blueberries are highly appreciated for their high antioxidant content but are also particularly susceptible to fungal deterioration. In this work, corn starch and chitosan, byproducts of the fishing industry, as well as active compounds obtained from citrus processing waste were used to obtain active biodegradable film packaging. Blueberries were packed in corn starch–chitosan (CS:CH) films and in active films containing lemon essential oil (LEO) or grapefruit seed extract (GSE). The effects of film packaging on the quality parameters of berries and the fungal incidence of disease during storage were studied and compared to benchmark materials. A conservation assay simulating transport and commercialization conditions was conducted. Blueberries packed in CS:CH films showed antioxidant capacity values closer to those packed in commercial PET containers (Clamshells), preserving 84.8% of the initial antioxidants content. Fruit packed in LEO films exhibited the greatest weight loss and rot incidence, and poor surface color. CS:CH and GSE films controlled the fruit respiration rate and weight loss, therefore they are materials with adequate barrier properties for blueberries conservation. Bags formulated with GSE showed adequate barrier properties to maintain fruit quality attributes without the incidence of rottenness, being an interesting option for blueberries exportation.

Sustainable and Bio-Based Food Packaging: A Review on Past and Current Design Innovations

“…Similarly, Kanmani and Rhim developed antimicrobial active films with GSE in a carrageenan matrix, with additional UV-barrier capacity, particularly important for UV-sensitive food packaging [181]. Moreover, Bof et al have demonstrated that the biodegradable films based on corn starch and chitosan and the active film containing GSE reduced the post-harvest weight loss, without the incidence of rottenness, of packed blueberries during their refrigerated storage in comparison to clamshell PET containers [182]. Besides, their performance under real conditions of transport and commercialization was evaluated, also considering the costs and possible scaling of the process.…”

Biobased composites from agro-industrial wastes and by-products

“…Chitosan is obtained from the chemical modification of chitin, extracted from fungi and shells, after numerous chemical treatments. Soluble in weak acid solutions, chitosan can be dried to a solid plastic film and strengthened by soaking in alkaline solutions with promising uses for packaging and medical applications [44][45][46][47][48][49]. In addition, near 150,000 tons of chitin-rich waste is annually produced by the seafood industry worldwide [50].…”