title: Development of polysaccharides-based edible coatings for citrus fruits: a layer-by-layer approach.
abstract: Biodegradable coatings for citrus fruits that would replace the currently used polyethylene-based waxes, are of great interest. Methylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan (CH) coatings were examined on the most sensitive citrus fruit model: mandarins. Among the examined polysaccharides, CMC provided mandarins with the best firmness, lowest weight loss and satisfying gloss, while not affecting natural flavour and the respiration process. To enhance coating performance, glycerol, oleic acid and stearic acid were added; however, mandarin quality generally deteriorated with these additives. Then, a layer-by-layer (LBL) approach was applied. LbL coatings, based on a combination of two polysaccharides, CMC as an internal layer and chitosan as an external layer, gave the best performance. Different concentrations of chitosan were examined. The LbL coatings notably improved all quantified parameters of fruit quality, proving that polysaccharide-based edible coating may offer an alternative to synthetic waxes.
authors: Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel; Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
authors: Hadar
authors: H
authors: Arnon
authors: Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel.
authors: Rina
authors: R
authors: Granit
authors: Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel.
authors: Ron
authors: R
authors: Porat
authors: Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel. Electronic address: elenap@volcani.agri.gov.il.
authors: Elena
authors: E
authors: Poverenov
mesh_terms: D048271:Chitosan; D002957:Citrus; D005519:Food Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D065347:Hypromellose Derivatives; D008747:Methylcellulose; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry*; D014885:Waxes
chemical_list: D011134:Polysaccharides; D014885:Waxes; D065347:Hypromellose Derivatives; D008747:Methylcellulose; D048271:Chitosan
keywords: Carboxymethyl cellulose; Chitosan; Edible coatings; Layer-by-layer; Mandarins; Polysaccharides