Effect of biodegradable active packaging with zeolites on fresh broccoli florets.

Most of the food packaging is mainly petroleum-based, and new forms of food packaging have emerged, such as active, intelligent, and biodegradable packaging to extend the shelf life of fresh vegetables. The aim was to develop a biodegradable active packaging and senescence indicator label for fresh broccoli florets (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica), to increase shelf life and to monitor the decay of the vegetable. The biodegradable active packagings (BAP) were produced by blown extrusion containing zeolite as ethylene scavenger, and their mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, and water sorption isotherms were determined. Fresh broccoli florets were packed in perforated and non-perforated BAP and stored at 12 °C, and their weight loss, vitamin C content, color, and texture were evaluated during the storage. BAPs were efficient in reducing the metabolism of fresh broccoli florets stored at 12 °C, preserving the color, and vitamin C content for 7 days. The senescence indicator labels were able to detect CO2 in packages without perforations.

Effect of Potassium Permanganate as an Ethylene Scavenger and Physicochemical Characterization during the Shelf Life of Fresh Banana (Musa paradisiaca).

The conventional method of employing low temperatures for storage and distribution has long been the standard approach for preserving most fruits and vegetables. This practice is likewise prevalent in the retail industry, which relies on similar methods for transporting and maintaining the quality of perishable products on their shelves. The aim was to preserve bananas (Musa paradisiaca) using an ethylene scavenger, potassium permanganate, which is contained in small paper bags, to increase the storage and distribution time at low cost. The bananas were distributed in four plastic containers at a temperature of 23°C, three of the treatments contained different concentrations of potassium permanganate, and one was potassium permanganate free. The experimental period was 19 days, and the variations in weight loss, pH, titratable acidity, texture, color, and total soluble solids were analyzed. Potassium permanganate effectively reduced the changes in their physiological ripening.

Polymeric Materials Obtained by Extrusion and Injection Molding from Lignocellulosic Agroindustrial Biomass.

This review presents the advances in polymeric materials achieved by extrusion and injection molding from lignocellulosic agroindustrial biomass. Biomass, which is derived from agricultural and industrial waste, is a renewable and abundant feedstock that contains mainly cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. To improve the properties and functions of polymeric materials, cellulose is subjected to a variety of modifications. The most common modifications are surface modification, grafting, chemical procedures, and molecule chemical grafting. Injection molding and extrusion technologies are crucial in shaping and manufacturing polymer composites, with precise control over the process and material selection. Furthermore, injection molding involves four phases: plasticization, injection, cooling, and ejection, with a focus on energy efficiency. Fundamental aspects of an injection molding machine, such as the motor, hopper, heating units, nozzle, and clamping unit, are discussed. Extrusion technology, commonly used as a preliminary step to injection molding, presents challenges regarding fiber reinforcement and stress accumulation, while lignin-based polymeric materials are challenging due to their hydrophobicity. The diverse applications of these biodegradable materials include automotive industries, construction, food packaging, and various consumer goods. Polymeric materials are positioned to offer even bigger contributions to sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in the future, as research and development continues.