ABSTRACT During postharvest storage, water loss causes wilting, shrinkage, and browning and degrades flavor and texture, substantially lowering the quality of fruits and vegetables. Recent studies have demonstrated that H 2 S can effectively preserve the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables, but the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly those regulating fruit cuticle formation, remain poorly understood. In this study, tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. “Zheyingfen No. 1”) fruit were fumigated with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), an H 2 S donor, for 24 h (20°C, 85%–90% RH) and then stored at 20°C, 50% RH. The results showed that NaHS treatment slowed wrinkle formation and decreased weight loss in postharvest tomato fruit over 15 days of storage. On day 4 of storage, NaHS treatment increased cuticular wax accumulation in the tomato fruit epidermis, especially alkanes. Furthermore, NaHS upregulated wax synthesis and transport genes ( SlCER1‐1 , SlCER6 , SlTTS1 , SlTTS2 , SlABCG11 , and SlABCG12 ) and regulatory genes ( SlMYB31 , SlMIXTA‐like , SlSHN3 , and SlWOOLLY ). These findings suggest that H 2 S enhances cuticular wax deposition in tomato fruit, this may help reduce postharvest weight loss and delay visible dehydration symptoms. This study highlights a role for H 2 S in regulating cuticle metabolism and provides evidence supporting its controlled use in postharvest fruit preservation.
ABSTRACT Green raisin production is limited by rapid chlorophyll degradation during drying. This study evaluated copper metallo‐complex formation to stabilize green pigmentation in Vitis vinifera cv. Thompson Seedless grapes. Pretreatments with copper sulfate (CuSO 4 ) pentahydrate (2%–6% w/v) were applied via dipping and vacuum impregnation (2–10 min), followed by drying at 50°C–70°C for 6–10 h. A Taguchi orthogonal array design (25 trials) enabled simultaneous optimization of process parameters. Vacuum impregnation with 6% CuSO 4 for 4 min, combined with drying at 65°C–68°C for 8–9 h, yielded optimal outcomes: superior color retention, reduced browning index (BI ≈ 123.9 vs. 134.7 in dipping, p < 0.05), 78%–82% moisture reduction, and improved ascorbic acid preservation (2.18 ± 0.12 mg/100 g vs. 1.96 ± 0.15 mg/100 g). Mechanistic analysis confirmed copper–chlorophyll complexes of pheophytin and pyropheophytin as stabilizers of greenness. Compared to dipping, vacuum impregnation achieved deeper ion penetration, improved pigment stability, and enhanced physicochemical attributes (higher TSS, lower acidity, and elevated pH). These findings establish vacuum impregnation with copper pretreatment as a scalable protocol for producing nutritionally superior, visually appealing green raisins. While physicochemical improvements are clear, confirmation of consumer preference and export‐market acceptance requires targeted sensory and market studies.
ABSTRACT This study addresses postharvest preservation challenges of ethylene‐sensitive “Wushan” plum by developing a novel graphitic carbon nitride/titanium dioxide@polyvinyl alcohol (g‐C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 @PVA) photocatalytic packaging film. The composite film, prepared by embedding g‐C 3 N 4 ‐modified TiO 2 into a PVA matrix, exhibited ethylene photocatalytic‐degradation performance under LED light, excellent mechanical strength, and flexibility, making it highly suitable for practical application. These properties, combined with its enhanced oxygen and water vapor barrier capabilities, synergistically supported shelf‐life extension. Under LED irradiation, the film achieved 80% degradation of 50 ppm ethylene within 6 h while maintaining stable activity under high humidity (95% RH), low light intensity, and cyclic operations. Application to “Wushan” plums under LED irradiation reduced headspace ethylene compared to the pure PVA packaging, which in turn strongly associated with the suppression of the fruit’s endogenous ethylene biosynthesis pathway. This intervention delayed the respiratory peak by over 2 days and maintained fruit firmness 14.9% higher than controls, demonstrating a strong association between photocatalytic scavenging and physiological regulation. Our comprehensive investigation revealed synergistic effects between photocatalytic ethylene degradation and optimized micro‐environment regulation, achieving extended shelf life for climacteric fruit. This work proposes an innovative green preservation strategy integrating LED‐responsiveness photocatalysis and environmental adaptability for horticultural postharvest management.
ABSTRACT Seabuckthorn ( Hippophae salicifolia ), a versatile plant thriving in the high‐altitude regions of North East India, is renowned for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Its seed oil, abundant in bioactive compounds such as fatty acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, holds significant potential for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical use. Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) has emerged as a promising green technology that enhances extraction efficiency while preserving thermolabile compounds. This study aimed to enhance seabuckthorn seed oil yield, antioxidant activity, and carotenoid content using UAE method. Key UAE parameters—sonication time, temperature, and solvent‐to‐sample ratio—significantly influenced ( p < 0.05) the extraction outcomes. Optimization using response surface methodology (RSM) yielded a maximum oil yield of 17.95%, strong antioxidant activity (IC 50 : 5.25 μg/mL), and high total carotenoid content (266.63 mg/100 g) under optimal conditions (18.02 min, 45.27°C, 10.65 mL/g). The UAE‐extracted oil showed 83.15% unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), higher than Soxhlet extraction, highlighting its nutritional superiority. UFAs are known for their health‐promoting effects, enhancing the oil's value for therapeutic applications. Physicochemical and thermal analysis confirmed the oil's quality and stability. Overall, UAE proved to be an eco‐friendly and effective method for extracting high‐quality seabuckthorn seed oil, supporting its application in functional foods, cosmetics, and health supplements.
ABSTRACT The ancient cereal grain known as proso millet ( Panicum miliaceum L.) is receiving more attention due to its remarkable nutritional value and health benefits. Rich in important amino acids, minerals, antioxidants, and naturally gluten‐free dietary fiber, it promotes heart‐healthy, low‐glycemic diets. Despite these advantages, its integration into mainstream food markets has been limited. However, its comeback has been sparked by growing health consciousness and the need for functional and gluten‐free cuisine. Growing consumer understanding of the link between diet, health, and disease prevention, especially regarding celiac disease, gluten intolerance, obesity, and diabetes, continues to drive this trend. This review underscores the nutritional and functional significance of proso millet as a sustainable, health‐promoting grain and the need for enhanced research, awareness, and marketing efforts to reestablish its importance in contemporary nutrition.
ABSTRACT This study evaluated the impact of red LED light exposure time on the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in yellow, orange and red nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) flowers. LED light treatments were applied during the growth phase with exposure times of 0, 2, 4 and 6 h. The analysis included antioxidant capacity, total carotenoids, total phenolics, anthocyanins, flavonoids and lutein (by HPLC). Yellow petals showed a significant increase in antioxidant capacity, reaching 39.66 μmol Trolox·g −1 by ABTS after 3.23 h, a 68.91% increase compared to the control. Additionally, total carotenoids—reflecting the presence of lutein—peaked at 79.34 mg⋅g −1 after 4.73 h more than double the content found in the untreated petals. In orange petals, total phenolics peaked at 128.13 mg AGE·100 g −1 after 2.71 h, reflecting a 14% increase over untreated samples. Red petals exhibited the highest anthocyanin content, increasing from 1389.92 ± 8.86 mg 100 g −1 (control) to 1973.10 mg 100g −1 after 4.17 h, a 41.95% increase. These results highlight the potential of red LED light to enhance phytochemical production in nasturtium flowers, offering an innovative strategy to improve their nutritional and functional properties for food and nutraceutical applications.
ABSTRACT Fruit rot caused by Alternaria alternata infection is one of the primary diseases responsible for postharvest losses in blueberries. Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) exhibits potent control efficacy against A. alternata, but its antifungal mechanisms and effects on the postharvest quality of blueberries remain unclear. In vitro text showed that LCEO treatment induced severe developmental and hyphal morphology impairments of A. alternata. Treatment with 2×MFC LCEO notably reduced blueberry fruit rot incidence while decreasing fruit respiration rate and maintaining fruit quality such as higher fruit weight, firmness, total soluble solids, total acidity, total phenolic, and flavonoid. Mechanistic studies revealed that LCEO treatment severely impaired the cell membrane integrity of A. alternata mycelium, manifesting as markedly increased intracellular propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence intensity, pronounced intracellular solute leakage, and increased extracellular electrical conductivity. However, LCEO treatment did not alter cell wall calcofluor white (CFW) fluorescence intensity and alkaline phosphatase activity. Additionally, LCEO application triggered a sharp and sustained increase in ROS accumulation and consequent lipid peroxidation, while leading to a progressive decline in mitochondrial membrane potential. Therefore, LCEO exerts its antifungal activity by impairing the normal growth and development of A. alternata through multi‐target damage, thereby reducing postharvest rot losses in blueberries.
ABSTRACT Banana leaf‐based packaging has been widely used for various traditional foods in Indonesia, contributing to the aesthetics and enhancing the aroma, color, flavor, and ethnic appeal. The inherent properties of banana leaves are insufficient to prevent the growth of microorganisms, leading to spoilage of the wrapped food. The objective of this study was to introduce the cultural practice of using banana leaves as traditional food packaging in Indonesia and to enhance their biofunctional properties through the application of a coating technique using propolis and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP). At least 17 traditional lexicalization patterns of banana leaf‐based packaging were identified across Indonesia. A nanocomposite formulation of 3% propolis combined with 140 ppm ZnONP was selected for coating. The prepared banana leaf thickness and color difference ranged from 0.262 to 0.264 mm and 76.64–86.09, respectively, with the coating layer being observed on the surface and within the internal microstructure through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The combination of propolis and ZnONP exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, as demonstrated by the inhibition of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The coated banana leaf traditional packaging extended the shelf life of lemper (a traditional Indonesian food) by 8–12 h.
ABSTRACT Infant foods and baby formulas are becoming increasingly popular across the globe owing to their ease of consumption and nutritional value specific to infants. Impurities may find their way into the food chain at any point from the acquisition of raw materials to final packaging, causing serious health hazards. Fruit and vegetable‐based infant foods have also been reported to be contaminated with plant toxins, mycotoxins, and microbial toxins, in addition to microbial residues that can prove extremely hazardous for infants. Current trends in artificial intelligence (AI) bring exciting opportunities for the instantaneous and nondestructive analysis of such contaminants. AI‐driven methods, such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms, are capable of analyzing vast datasets from spectroscopic, imaging, or sensor inputs to detect trace amounts of toxic substances with high accuracy. This review aims to identify the different poisonous substances and contaminants that are harmful to infant health and to emphasize how AI systems can enhance the identification, tracking, and prevention of such contaminants in baby food items.
ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of storing two soybean varieties (SC Semeki and Uyole Soya 2) in polypropylene and PICS bags at 15°C and 25°C, with analyses at 30‐day intervals for 3 months, on the retention of their protein content, amino acid profiles, and the functional properties of their protein isolates. The study indicates that using polypropylene bags at 25°C was not effective in maintaining the nutritive quality during storage. This led to a decrease in protein content of 3.85% and 5.19% and a decrease in PS of 12.47% and 7.32% in SC Semeki and Uyole soya 2, respectively. In contrast, similar settings led to an increase of emulsifying capacity by 40% and 41% and oil absorption capacity by 18% and 28% in SC Semeki and Uyole Soya 2, respectively. On the other hand, results from amino acid analysis indicated a higher retention in amino acids with the use of PICS bags (12/17) compared to polypropylene bags (3/17). Similarly, majority of amino acids were retained better at 15°C (6/17) compared to 25°C (2/17). Therefore, the use of PICS bags at low temperatures (15°C) is highly recommended for preserving nutritional quality and functional properties of SPI in comparison.
ABSTRACT The rising prevalence of oxidant and free radical induced cellular damage have intensified the search in assessing the health promoting properties present in the naturally available superfruit matrices. Coping this arena, superfruits are believed to have an upsurge in its characterization, derivatization, and application potential in the next generation functional foods, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical products. This review was formulated to critically evaluate the nutritional, phytochemical, and health benefits associated in the selected superfruits (strawberry, blackberry, plums, apricots, blueberry, kiwifruit, and cherries) grown in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions and the studies related to its bioavailability and food applications. A critical mining of the antioxidant behavior in superfruits has revealed the emphasis on regional diversity and enhanced expression of bioactive signatures thereby highlighting the comparative antioxidant profile in various free radical systems. The key gaps associated in the transition of lab scale research evidence to the in vivo‐based evaluation and commercialization has been discussed with key interventions in enhancing stabilization and improving bioavailability. The compiled information and data sets serves the researchers and scientific community to apprehend the comprehensive knowledge domain of the respective superfruit and provides strategies on the development of scientifically validated superfruit‐based functional foods with greater degree of bioavailability.
ABSTRACT Unsaturated oils have limited applications due to their instability. The industry uses hydrogenation and antioxidants to extend their shelf‐life. However, hydrogenation generates trans fatty acids that are linked to heart diseases. Synthetic antioxidants on the other hand are associated with cancer, heart diseases, etc. As a solution, research on natural ways to extend the shelf‐life of oils and fats by blending them or by adding natural antioxidants keeps evolving. In this study, the oxidative stability of oil blends from palm kernel (PKO), soya bean (SBO), and cottonseed (CSO) oils during frying was assessed. Oils were formulated in duplicate by blending PKO with SBO or CSO at ratios 50:50, 60:40, and 70:30, which were used to fry potato chips. Frying was done at 180°C in a deep‐fat fryer for 5 min (1 frying cycle). A total of 4 frying cycles was done daily with the same oil for 3 consecutive days. Oil samples (100 g) were collected daily to measure oxidation parameters. Results revealed that 100% SBO and CSO were the most altered in terms of primary and secondary oxidation compared to 100% PKO and the blends. SBO and CSO can be blended with PKO to ameliorate their oxidative stability during frying.
ABSTRACT Fresh produce is susceptible to contamination, leading to spoilage or foodborne illness. Effective postharvest washing methods are essential to reduce microbial load and ensure produce safety. Most studies focused on single sample type or the immediate impact of washing methods. However, various washing parameters and product type may affect microbial reduction and quality attributes not only immediately after washing but also during storage. In this study, the effectiveness of three washing methods (tap water, 0.01% sodium hypochlorite, and 1% citric acid) was investigated on spinach and tomatoes. The washing parameters were optimized and the impact of each method on bacterial reduction and product texture and color was evaluated both immediately after washing and throughout the storage period of 7 days. Among the three treatments, 1% citric acid demonstrated the highest microbial reduction for both spinach and tomatoes, particularly during storage. With the same washing method, more bacteria were removed from tomatoes than from spinach. All three washing treatments did not significantly affect the produce texture or color. The study provided a better understanding of the effectiveness of common postharvest treatments of produce and their impact on quality attributes, which will help assure the safety and quality of fresh produce.
ABSTRACT Plant genetic engineering using Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation or particle bombardment has enabled targeted trait introduction into many crops. Conventional transient transformation approaches, while offering rapid gene expression, are inherently short‐lived and insufficient for sustained functional studies. In this study, we establish an improved Agrobacterium tumefaciens (strain LBA4404)‐mediated transformation system for peach fruit by performing three consecutive infections at three developmental stages: fruit‐set, mid‐growth, and 2 weeks before harvest. Compared with conventional single‐time‐point transient transformation—which typically yields gene expression lasting only about one week—our protocol achieves prolonged and robust transformation effects, including stable overexpression of PpSNARE13 and efficient targeted mutagenesis of PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2 persisting for up to 32 days. This repeated transformation strategy substantially extends the effective expression window and circumvents the lengthy selection procedures required for stable transformation. It enables efficient and reliable gene function screening directly in peach fruits, thereby offering a practical tool for postharvest biology and functional genomics in woody plants. This system can be widely applied to gene function studies in peach fruits and holds significant potential for advancing postharvest quality improvement and fruit preservation.
ABSTRACT Banana holds a vital position in Bangladesh due to its high production and substantial contribution to the national fruit market. Despite its importance, inadequate handling, transportation, storage, and traditional ripening practices lead to significant postharvest losses. Therefore, a two‐factor experiment using CRD with three replications was employed to evaluate the shelf life and quality of two banana cultivars, Amritasagar and Mehersagar, under six postharvest treatments: control, refrigeration at 14°C, ascorbic acid, potassium aluminum sulfate, unperforated polythene bag with KMnO4, and calcium chloride. Significant varietal differences were observed. During storage, total sugars (reducing and non‐reducing) and total soluble solids (TSS) increased. The highest total sugar content (26.07%) was recorded in Amritasagar treated with KMnO4, whereas the lowest values were observed under control conditions. Shelf life was significantly influenced by postharvest treatments; bananas treated with KMnO4 showed the longest shelf life, with 20.15 days in Amritasagar and 18.65 days in Mehersagar, compared to only 10.16 days for untreated Amritasagar. These findings demonstrate that KMnO4 is highly effective in delaying ripening and extending banana shelf life. Therefore, the use of KMnO4 in unperforated polythene packaging is recommended as a simple, cost‐effective postharvest treatment to reduce losses and maintain banana quality in Bangladesh.
ABSTRACT The casting method was used to develop bio‐nanocomposite film by combining pectin extracted from Malta (Citrus sinensis) peel with montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles. The study analyzed the thermal, structural, mechanical, and morphological properties of bio‐nanocomposite films. It examined the effect of different concentrations, that is, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6%, and 2.0% of montmorillonite (MMT) on film properties. Malta peel pectin (MPP) and MMT were combined to develop a biodegradable film that had a greater tensile strength (TS) ranging from 3.40 ± 0.03 MPa to 10.69 ± 0.06 MPa and lower water vapor permeability (WVP) ranging from 1.88 × 10−8 ± 0.06 g/Pa.h.m to 1.23 × 10−8 ± 0.08 g/Pa.h.m than films made from pectin only. The presence of MMT in biodegradable film (10.11 ± 0.06–7.93 ± 0.09) resulted in lesser transparency than the pectin‐only film (10.77 ± 0.03%). Both pectin and biodegradable films prepared from the composites showed an amorphous structure in XRD diffractograms. The compact matrix structure of the film was because of the intermolecular contact augmented by the incorporation of MMT. The composite films containing pectin displayed a uniform structure devoid of phase separation and decreased disorder. The addition of MMT to films increased their thermal stability. The pectin reinforced with MMT showed good compatibility and increased desirable properties in the biodegradable film.
ABSTRACT French fries are a beloved and widely consumed snack, but their quality and safety can be affected by factors such as potato variety and storage conditions. In this study, we investigated the influence of three potato varieties (Kufri Chipsona 1, Kufri Frysona, and Kufri Chipsona 3) and varying storage durations on the chemical composition, color, fat content, and the formation of acrylamide (AA) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in French fries. The goal was to optimize the selection of potato varieties and storage periods to produce French fries with minimal health‐related compounds. Our results revealed that the choice of potato variety and storage conditions significantly impacted the composition of French fries. Potatoes with low reducing sugar content and specific storage temperatures are essential for producing high‐quality French fries. Among the potato varieties tested, Kufri Frysona stored for 15 days, emerged as the best choice for minimizing the AA and HMF formation in the final product. The study also established strong correlations between the chemical composition of potatoes and the formation of AA and HMF during frying. This research emphasizes the importance of selecting the right potato variety and storage conditions to mitigate, health risks of fried foods.
ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of three superfine grinding operations on the structural, physicochemical and nutritional properties of various Hericium erinaceus. Results showed wide diversity in particle size, nutritional composition and hydration properties among different H. erinaceus. Abnormal variety had similar nutritional quality but differed in structure and hydration properties from normal variety. The grinding operation had significant effects on the structural, physicochemical and nutritional properties of powder, explaining 20.7%–96.8% of the total variance. Superfine grinding operation significantly reduced the average D50 (13.04–15.37 μm), Span (1.29–1.37) and water holding capacity (4.00–4.48 g/g) by 6.1%–20.3%, 1.4%–7.2%, and 20.1%–28.7%, respectively, butincreased the content of protein (12.52%–14.77%), polysaccharide (10.87%–20.07%) and soluble dietary fiber (12.05%–14.44%), water solubility index (37.74%–44.89%) and swelling capacity (5.63%–7.35%) by 45.6%–71.7%, 6.2%–96.0%, 17.8%–41.2%, 5.0%–24.8%, and 13.1%–47.6%, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that structural parameters were significantly related to content of protein, polyphenol, polysaccharide and hydration properties. These results contributed to a better understanding of the variation and relationship between structural and nutritional quality of H. erinaceus superfine powder.
ABSTRACT This review explores the emerging evidence to accommodate the developing requirement of non‐intrusive quality health‐life alternatives to combat cataractogenesis while advocating nutraceuticals to serve as effective, accessible, and preemptive regimen. Inequalities in financial resources and a lack of dietary knowledge influence the diversity of global cataract frequencies, emphasizing the urgency of prophylactic strategies. With regard to precise and accurate monitoring, this abstract synthesized 67 articles, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Promising evidence indicates a nutritious meal containing fruits, vegetables, and vitamins C (ascorbic acid) and E, calcium, folic acid, omega‐3 fatty acids, and carotenoids (lutein/zeaxanthin) is beneficial to halt cataract initiation and preserve eye health on a global scale. Vitamin E could safeguard light‐sensitive ocular structures regarding photoperoxidative degradation driven by light‐catalyzed oxygen‐free radicals. It's imperative to refrain from a diet filled with fat, salt, and glucose. Arguably, research has settled on the possible connection between the consumption of carbohydrates, sugar, dairy‐related foods, and cataracts. Frequencing around 37%, cataract may be associated with severe diarrhea or cholera, in accordance with epidemiological studies investigated in India. A prospective remedial approach to decisively promoting nutritious meals containing vitamin C and E, carotenoids (lutein, meso‐zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin), and omega‐3 fatty acids that are accessible, affordable, and enticing to everyone is highly desirable in community outreach and employing expertise from interdisciplinary fields. There is abundant scope with promising evidence on caffeine's anti‐apoptotic characteristics, along with modulation of glycation pathways, considering the dietary inflammation index (DII), ought to concentrate on a new pathway against cataractogenesis.
ABSTRACT Brown rot, caused by Monilinia laxa, severely affects stone fruit storage, prompting the search for eco‐friendly control alternatives. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (B10W10) and Pseudomonas sp. (B11W11), alone or combined with copper(II) sulfate, in controlling M. laxa infections postharvest. In vitro trials revealed significant fungal inhibition (17.50%–93.98%) with copper(II) sulfate and bacterial combinations. In vivo tests on nectarines showed reduced disease severity (5.74%–63.39%) after 5 days at 22°C, with 2% copper(II) sulfate plus B. amyloliquefaciens (B10W10) proving most effective. ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy confirmed biochemical changes in fungal biomass and nectarines. These findings support copper(II) sulfate, particularly in combination with B. amyloliquefaciens, as a practical alternative to conventional fungicides.
