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<p>Fresh-cut fruits are highly regarded for convenience and nutritional value, yet their shelf-life is limited by enzymatic browning, tissue softening, and microbial spoilage. Although conventional petroleum-based plastic packaging can mitigate these degradative processes, it raises environmental concerns. The present study evaluated the efficacy of two commercial biodegradable films, polylactic acid (PLA) and a starch-based biofilm (corn starch with eucalyptus oil) in comparison with polyethylene (PE) for the preservation of fresh-cut ‘Golden Delicious’ apples during 21 days at 5 °C. Material characterization showed that the starch-based biofilm combined superior gas barrier properties (OTR 4.30; CO₂TR 13.42&#xa0;cm³·m⁻²·day⁻¹) with intermediate mechanical flexibility, unlike brittle PLA and highly permeable PE. These intrinsic properties governed the development of a passive modified atmosphere. The starch-based biofilm established and maintained an optimal equilibrium atmosphere of high O₂ (16–18%) and moderate CO₂ (8%), supporting aerobic respiration and preventing fermentative metabolism, as indicated by a steady pH increase and minimal weight loss (2.53% versus 10.90% in PE). Consequently, apples in this biofilm exhibited reduced enzymatic browning, better texture retention, and enhanced preservation of bioactive compounds compared with PLA and PE. Moreover, this biofilm yielded the lowest total aerobic mesophilic counts, confirming microbiological safety. In contrast, PLA produced a near-anaerobic atmosphere (3% O₂), increasing fermentation risk, while PE failed to establish a protective atmosphere due to high permeability. The study demonstrates that shelf-life extension of fresh-cut apples by biodegradable films is critically dependent on gas barrier properties. Through tailored permeability, the starch-based biofilm generated a preservative atmosphere that delayed senescence and quality loss, representing a high-performing sustainable alternative to conventional packaging.</p>

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Extending fresh-cut apple shelf-life with a high-barrier starch-based biofilm

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月12日

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  • Giuseppina Adiletta,
  • Matteo Sambucci,
  • Anna Maria Giusti,
  • Shizuka Kibi,
  • Daniela Tufi,
  • Roberto Moscetti,
  • Riccardo Massantini,
  • Marco Valente,
  • Paola Russo

摘要

Fresh-cut fruits are highly regarded for convenience and nutritional value, yet their shelf-life is limited by enzymatic browning, tissue softening, and microbial spoilage. Although conventional petroleum-based plastic packaging can mitigate these degradative processes, it raises environmental concerns. The present study evaluated the efficacy of two commercial biodegradable films, polylactic acid (PLA) and a starch-based biofilm (corn starch with eucalyptus oil) in comparison with polyethylene (PE) for the preservation of fresh-cut ‘Golden Delicious’ apples during 21 days at 5 °C. Material characterization showed that the starch-based biofilm combined superior gas barrier properties (OTR 4.30; CO₂TR 13.42 cm³·m⁻²·day⁻¹) with intermediate mechanical flexibility, unlike brittle PLA and highly permeable PE. These intrinsic properties governed the development of a passive modified atmosphere. The starch-based biofilm established and maintained an optimal equilibrium atmosphere of high O₂ (16–18%) and moderate CO₂ (8%), supporting aerobic respiration and preventing fermentative metabolism, as indicated by a steady pH increase and minimal weight loss (2.53% versus 10.90% in PE). Consequently, apples in this biofilm exhibited reduced enzymatic browning, better texture retention, and enhanced preservation of bioactive compounds compared with PLA and PE. Moreover, this biofilm yielded the lowest total aerobic mesophilic counts, confirming microbiological safety. In contrast, PLA produced a near-anaerobic atmosphere (3% O₂), increasing fermentation risk, while PE failed to establish a protective atmosphere due to high permeability. The study demonstrates that shelf-life extension of fresh-cut apples by biodegradable films is critically dependent on gas barrier properties. Through tailored permeability, the starch-based biofilm generated a preservative atmosphere that delayed senescence and quality loss, representing a high-performing sustainable alternative to conventional packaging.