Effects of postharvest trans-cinnamic acid (t-CA) treatment at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 g/L on strawberry fruit phytochemicals, quality and senescence rate during storage at 1 °C for 10 days followed by 24 h at 20 °C were studied. Treated fruit showed significantly lower senescence rate and total acids, and higher firmness (by 15, 18.5, 9.5 %), taste index (by 13, 20 and 9 %), total soluble solids, and overall quality. t-CA, at all studied concentrations, was able to significantly enhance the fruit total antioxidant activity (by 7, 11 and 9 %), total proteins (by 4.3, 3.8 and 4 %), total flavonoids (by 2.5, 5 and 5 %), total phenolics (by 9, 24 and 21 %) and total anthocyanins (by 5, 16 and 7 %) and total amino acids. The increase in different phenolic compounds content, which was negatively correlated with senescence rate, was mostly due to an increase in tyrosine ammonia-lyase activity.

Biodiesel is highly reactive with water, posing significant challenges to its commercialization. Therefore, accurate and safe monitoring of biodiesel is essential to prevent unwanted reactions. A U-shaped optical fiber (UOFE) was developed by coating a Ti3C2 MXene/TiO2 hybrids to improve sensitivity to the refractive index (RI) and detect volatilized moisture vapor from plant-derived biodiesels. The sensitivity of three different UOFEs to RI were compared. The results indicate that UOFE with a core diameter of 200 μm reduced in transmission spectra (TS) to 1500 mV; further, coating the surface of this UOFE with Ti3C2 MXene/TiO2 hybrids resulted in a three-fold reduction in TS to 4230 mV. Changes in water content from 10 to 500 ppm linearly decreased TS for soybean and algal biodiesels. A 30 % increase in TS reduction was observed for biodiesels with higher water content. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the fatty methyl ester contents of both biodiesels confirmed the degradation of fatty esters with higher moisture content in the soybean biodiesel and the presence of volatile compounds in the algal biodiesel. Conventional Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy cannot detect moisture below 500 ppm in biodiesel, and Raman spectroscopy can detect only 500 ppm of water. The sensor successfully detected low concentrations of water (5-10 ppm) in lipids extracted from three types of wet microalgae. Thus, the proposed sensor shows potential for biodiesel monitoring in terms of water content, stability during storage, and volatile compound content in a rapid, accurate, non-contact, and reproducible manner.

Jujube is an important fruit species due to its high nutritional value and health benefits. However, the short shelf life of fruit causes quality losses, making it difficult to trade. This study was conducted to determine the effects of postharvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) applications on the fruit quality and biochemical properties of 'Li' jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) cultivar. In the study, fruits were pre-cooled at 7 °C and 85 ± 5% humidity for 24 h and those with diseases, pests, and mechanical damage were eliminated. Then, MeJA was applied to the fruits at concentrations of 0.2 mM and 0.4 mM and stored at 0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% humidity for 45 days and analyzes were performed at 15-day intervals. This study showed that MeJA applications positively affected the postharvest quality of jujube fruit. MeJA-applied fruits exhibited lower weight loss and lower respiration rates, and MeJA applications helped preserve fruit color and maintained fruit firmness for a longer time. MeJA was effective in maintaining the total phenolic and flavonoid content in fruit content and the loss of vitamin C content was lower with MeJA application. MeJA was effective for determining soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity and delayed ripening in fruit. MeJA application increases the commercial value of fruits by reducing weight loss, slowing down the ripening process, and preserving higher nutritional content and antioxidant activities and suggest that it can be used as a feasible method for improving fruit protection strategies. MeJA application stands out as an effective method for extending the shelf life of jujube fruits by preserving their post-harvest quality and nutritional values.

Depleting fossil fuels and growing environmental pressures highlight the need for sustainable, renewable energy. Biodiesel, a biodegradable and eco-friendly fuel, is a viable solution, but its production faces challenges, including lengthy reaction times, high methanol consumption, and reliance on chemically homogeneous catalysts. This study investigates optimizing biodiesel production in a smooth periodic constriction (SPC) reactor by analyzing the effects of residence time, temperature, molar ratio, and catalyst concentration on conversion efficiency. The SPC reactor's oscillatory flow and periodic constrictions enhance mixing, improving mass transfer and reaction kinetics. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the following optimal conditions were determined: 51.08 degrees C, 26 min, 7.1:1 molar ratio, and 5.82% catalyst concentration, yielding a 91.94% conversion efficiency. These conditions surpass conventional reactors, which require 60-100 degrees C and hours-long processes, reducing energy consumption. The biodiesel met most American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751 standards, with minor deviations in water content and iodine value. With sunflower oil as feedstock, the SPC reactor proved highly efficient under milder conditions, highlighting its potential for energy-efficient biodiesel production. Furthermore, eggshell-based CaO catalysts promote sustainability by transforming waste into valuable catalytic material, supporting greener energy production and advancing environmentally responsible fuel alternatives.

Depleting fossil fuels necessitate innovative solutions for sustainable biodiesel production from sunflower oil, addressing global energy and environmental challenges. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with the k-ε model and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) optimized frequency (5-15 Hz), baffle diameter ratio (d₀/D: 0.4-0.8 mm), and baffle spacing (3-7 mm) in a single-orifice oscillatory flow reactor (OFR). Optimal conditions (frequency = 12.12 Hz, d₀/D = 0.4 mm, spacing = 10 mm) achieved an 83% biodiesel conversion, maximum turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) of 7.56 m²/s², maximum vorticity of 112.23 1/s, and energy dissipation of 359.82 m²/s³, validated by a TKE-yield correlation (R² = 0.972). Simplified reactor design reduces energy dissipation by 20% compared to multi-orifice reactors (88% yield, higher costs) and smooth periodic constriction reactors (74.5% yield). Findings offer a scalable, eco-friendly solution for industrial biodiesel production, minimizing fossil fuel dependency and enhancing process efficiency.

The use of new intensification technologies for continuous biodiesel production will facilitate the development of this renewable fuel. The aim of this research is to develop an oscillatory-liquid phase plasma reactor for the production of biodiesel from sunflower oil. Experimental tests were conducted using the independent variables of methanol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst level, applied voltage, and flow rate (Q). Response surface methodology was used to analyze and optimize the experimental results. The results showed that the optimal conversion efficiency of 91.31% can be continuously achieved at the methanol to oil molar ratio (7.24), catalyst level (0.85 wt%), applied voltage (19.33 kV), and Q (3.11 mL s-1). The produced biodiesel complies with EN 14214 standards, making it a suitable alternative to diesel fuel. Considering the high efficiency, continuous production, reduced reagent consumption, and low power consumption, this new method can be introduced as sustainable solution in the biodiesel production industry.

Conventional transesterification processes not only require large amounts of methanol and catalysts but are also time-consuming and operate at high temperatures. Advanced methods such as non-thermal plasma have been studied for biodiesel production because they mainly reduce the temperature as well as the reaction time. In this study, a liquid-phase capillary discharge plasma reactor was developed for the continuous production of biodiesel from sunflower oil at ambient temperature and pressure. The four main operational parameters were examined each with three levels, including molar ratio (4, 6, 8), catalyst concentration (0.5, 1, 1.5 wt%), applied voltage (10, 15, 20 kV), and reactant flowrate (2, 4, 6 ml/s). The response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize FAME content. The results show that the capillary discharge reactor is possible to continuously produce 95.9 % methyl ester content (FAME- content) in a MeOH/oil molar ratio of 6.2:1, catalyst concentration of 1.2 wt %, applied voltage of 18 kV and flow rate of 4.6 ml/s. The power consumed in this process was 46.16 kJ/lit. These results indicate that the studied technology is able to continuously produce methyl ester with high conversion efficiency at low temperatures and with minimum amounts of inputs compared to common methods.

Apple is a commercially important fruit produced in Iran but due to water scarcity most of the orchards are irrigated with saline waters in arid and semi-arid regions of the country. Recent studies show that magnetization of irrigation water may decrease the adverse effects of salinity on some plants. In order to study the responses of apple seedlings to magnetization of saline water the M7 and MM106 saplings grafted on Golden Delicious rootstock were irrigated with saline water of 0, 40 and 80 mM NaCl exposed to a magnetic field 0, 0.1 0.2 Tesla. Saline water increased the Na+ content of the roots and leaves, hydrogen peroxide and electrolyte leakage of the cells, and decreased the quantum yield, K+ and Ca2+ contents of the root and leaf, relative water content and SPAD index of the saplings. However, the proline, soluble sugars, and phenolics contents, and the activity of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes were increased in saplings irrigated with magnetic water by 70.1

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the antagonistic Bacillus subtilis and oregano essential oil (EO) on decay caused by Botrytis cinerea, shelf life, and some quality parameters of sweet cherry (Prunus avium cv. Takdaneh Mashhad). The fruit were inoculated with suspension of pathogenic fungus (1 × 105 spore mL−1), and then were treated with the antagonist bacterial strains at 1 × 108 CFU mL−1 and the EO at 0. 250, 500, 750, and 1000 µL/L. Treated fruit were stored at 0 ± 1 °C for 30 d. Quality parameters including firmness, weight loss, antioxidant activity, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme activity, marketability, color, total anthocyanins, and decay extension rate were evaluated after 0, 15, and 30 days of storage. The results showed that with an increase in storage time the quality of cherry fruit is significantly decreased and EO and Bacillus treatments significantly maintain fruit marketability, antioxidant activity and anthocyanins content. EO in at 750 µL/L in combination with Bacillus bacteria, significantly reduced fungal decay, retained quality and increased shelf life of sweet cherries. Therefore, the use of Bacillus bacteria and oregano essential oil can be considered as a promising environmental friendly alternative method for maintaining the sweet cherry fruit quality during storage.

Chitosan, recognized for its excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties, has several potential applications, particularly in the biomedical field. However, its widespread use is hindered by inherent limitations such as low mechanical strength and safety concerns arising from a low degree of deacetylation and the presence of impurities. This study aimed to introduce an innovative purification method for chitosan via liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) extraction. The proposed technique effectively addresses the challenges associated with chitosan by facilitating deacetylation and impurity removal. Liquefied DME is emerging as the extraction solvent of choice owing to its advantages, such as low boiling point, safety, and environmental sustainability. The degree of deacetylation of chitosan was extensively evaluated using thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, intrinsic viscosity measurements, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The solubility of chitosan in liquefied DME was investigated using Hansen solubility parameters. This study contributes to the improvement of the safety profile of chitosan, thereby expanding its potential applications in various fields. The use of liquefied DME as an extraction solvent proved to be efficient in addressing the existing challenges and is consistent with the principles of safety and environmental sustainability.

Introduction Apple (Malus domestica) is considered as one of the important members of the Rosaceae family and is among the most consumed fruits in the world. One of the biggest challenges for agricultural researchers is to increase the quantity and quality of food to feed the growing population, without negatively affecting the health of the soil and agricultural ecosystems. Due to the adverse effects of chemicals on human health and environmental safety, the production of organic products has been considered as one of the most important issues in food production systems. It is utilized in various forms, including fresh fruit or processed as industrial products. Based on the respiratory and ethylene production pattern, apples are classified as climacteric fruits. Metabolic activities and ripening continue after harvest, so apples have the potential to transform into highly perishable products after harvest. Post-harvest treatments are certainly not the most suitable method for preserving the shelf life and quality of fruits during the post-harvest period. Therefore, employing new and effective methods to enhance quality, control decay, and consequently extend the post-harvest life of apples appears to be essential. Organic farming, as an agricultural system to protect human health and the environment, can improve product quality and shelf life. Materials and MethodsThis study was conducted on an apple orchard (Malus domestica) in Zarabad area of Khoy city located in the northwest of Iran (with the same management and growth conditions) in 2018-2019. The experiment was conducted as a factorial in the form of a completely randomized block design in 4 replications. The experimental factors included spraying fruit trees with nano-chitosan in 3 concentrations (zero, 5 and 10 ml) and ferulic acid in 3 concentrations (zero, 0.5 and 1 mM). Apple trees in three times, the first stage in the hazelnut time. Fruit drop, the second stage 20 days after the first stage and the third stage 20 days after the second stage spraying, were sprayed in the afternoon using a Cross mark PB20 manual sprayer. The harvested fruits were sprayed according to the treatments were packed and labeled and transferred to the central laboratory of horticultural sciences of Urmia University. After 24 hours of storage at the laboratory temperature, the measurement of the studied traits started on the fruits, the control treatment in this experiment was distilled water with Tween 80 (0.1/v/v). Results and DiscussionCompared to the control group, fruits treated with a combination of chitosan and ferulic acid exhibited a significant increase in firmness after harvest. Notably, the most effective treatment involved a combination of 10 milliliters of nano-chitosan and 1 millimolar ferulic acid, resulting in the highest level of firmness among all treatments.As a result, the combined treatment of chitosan and ferulic acid can delay the aging process by reducing the activity of enzymes involved in cell wall degradation and maintain firmness in apples, contributing to a positive effect. According to the obtained results, fruits treated with nano-chitosan and ferulic acid showed a higher soluble solid content compared to the control fruits, and this amount increased with the higher concentrations of nano-chitosan and ferulic acid. The minimum level of TA was observed in the control treatment, and the highest level was observed in the treatment with 10 milliliters of chitosan and 1 millimolar ferulic acid. The treatment with 1 millimolar ferulic acid and 10 milliliters of chitosan showed the highest percentage of TA content compared to the control. The combination of nano-chitosan and ferulic acid treatment led to a reduction in fruit juice pH, with the lowest pH observed in the treatment with 1 millimolar ferulic acid and 10 milliliters of chitosan, and the highest pH observed in the control treatment. Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant that directly reduces damage caused by free radicals. According to the obtained results, the maximum content of vitamin C was observed in the treatment with 1 millimolar ferulic acid and 10 milliliters of chitosan. According to the obtained results, the maximum PAL enzyme activity was observed in the treatment with 1 millimolar ferulic acid and 10 milliliters of chitosan. Conclusion In general, the findings of the current study showed that pre-harvest treatment with nano-chitosan and ferulic acid had a positive effect on the post-harvest quality of apple fruits. The fruits treated with the highest concentration of nano-chitosan and ferulic acid exhibited the highest fruit firmness, titratable acidity, vitamin C content, PAL enzyme activity, and the lowest pH compared to the control fruits. These results indicate that nano-chitosan and ferulic acid treatment can be proposed as a promising and healthy method for improving the post-harvest quality of apple fruits.

BACKGROUND: Changes in apple fruit quality indices in response to foliar spray with 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) at 0 and 1 mu molL(-1) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) at 0 and 0.5 mu molL(-1), as well as the combination of these phytohormones, were investigated at harvest and during cold storage. RESULTS: Both phytohormones synergistically enhanced the fruit firmness, specific weight, size, fresh weight, water content, total antioxidant activity, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio and precocity. In addition, the fruit abscission pattern was changed in response to different treatments. Treated fruit exhibited lower weight loss and internal breakdown symptoms and higher total soluble solids index, firmness and phytochemicals during cold storage. A negative correlation was seen between fruit mass, firmness, specific weight, antioxidant activity, total phenolics and vitamin C content with internal breakdown occurrence and weight loss. CONCLUSION: Foliar spray with EBL and MeJA during the growth season is a good environmental friendly and safe method for enhancing the apple fruit different quality parameters, marketability and postharvest life. (c) 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The demand for organic table grapes is increasing worldwide. However, comprehensive information of quality parameters and phytochemical compounds in organically grown fruit remain unclear. Furthermore, table grapes are perishable and postharvest quality retention and waste prevention is very important. In this study we have compared the differences between organic and non-organic table grapes in terms of phytochemical compounds and quality parameters as well as the changes in the expression levels of pathogen related and lytic genes during storage. Organic fruit showed higher levels of phenolics, flavonoids, caffeic acid, hydrogen peroxide, protein content, antioxidant and anti-stress enzymes and total antioxidant activities at harvest and during storage. Although, the expression levels of polygalactronases, pectin methyl esterase, chitinase and glucanase genes was lower in organically grown table grapes at harvest, but the expression of all these genes was significantly increased during cold storage. After 60 days of cold storage the expression levels of pectin methyl esterase, chitinase and glucanase genes was significantly higher than the conventionally grown grape berries in organic ones. The highest expression of polygalacturonase was recorded in organic samples after 30 days of storage. There was no significant difference between the two types of table grapes for decay extension and tissue dete-rioration rate. The results of this study indicate that due to higher levels of phytochemicals and antioxidant compounds the organic table grapes have a higher nutritional quality. Furthermore, the increase in PR and pectolytic genes expression levels is enough for decreasing the fruit susceptibility to decay pathogens and enhancing the postharvest life of organic grapes.

In this study, the physiological and developmental response of ten promising almond genotypes to deficit irrigation was investigated. A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with three replications during 2019 and 2020 at the Temperate Fruit Research Center, Horticultural Research Institute. The first factor was ten almond genotypes, and the second factor was three levels of drought stress (–0.33 MPa as a control, 0.9 and 1.6 MPa as moderate and severe stress, respectively). The results showed that growth and physiological characteristics, such as plant height, trunk diameter at the top of the plant, length of new branch growth, and leaf yellowness, as well as chlorophyll index based on the SPAD criterion, relative leaf water content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and activity of leaf enzymes including SOD, POD, CAT, and APX, varied among the ten almond genotypes under different levels of drought stress. Higher proline, RWC, and F v / F m values indicated a higher ability to tolerate drought stress in almonds. The study conducted a heatmap clustering analysis to classify 10 almond genotypes based on their response to drought stress. The results showed that the genotypes were divided into three groups, with two genotypes in the first group being more sensitive to drought stress. Also, the A-7-100 genotype in the third group was found to be more tolerant and adapted to drought stress than the other genotypes.

Introduction Cherry (Prunus avium L.) is one of the most important fruit products and due to its polyphenol and antioxidant compounds, it contributes to the nutrition and health of millions of people. Due to its high perishability, this fruit suffers from post-harvest physiological losses. According to the proven antifungal activity of plant essential oils, their use as a natural substance to reduce post-harvest waste, increase shelf life and ensure the health of consumers of horticultural products.Material and Methods In the present study, the effect of marjoram essential oil in different concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µl/l) on biochemical reactions of Mashhad cherry fruit var takdaneh, including phenylalanine ammonialyase enzyme activity, total anthocyanin content, ascorbic acid content, tissue color, polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity, fruit rot and browning of the tail were evaluated with three replications. The treated fruits were transferred to the refrigerator for 30 days at a temperature of 1.0 °C and a relative humidity of 90-95%. Qualitative measurements of fruits were performed during three periods before storage, on the 15th day and on the 30th day of storage. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed based on factorial experiment in a completely randomized design. Mean comparison was performed based on Duncan's multiple range test using SAS software and its graphs were drawn with Excel. Finally, correlation analysis was performed using R software.Results and Discussion The results of this evaluation showed that marjoram essential oil maintained the activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase enzyme, total anthocyanin content, ascorbic acid content and color significantly. It also reduced the activity of polyphenol oxidase activity, tissue color change, rot and browning of cherry fruit tail. The level of ascorbic acid in all treated samples decreased over time, but this decrease was more severe in the control sample than the other treatments. Increasing storage time and essential oil concentration improved the amount of anthocyanin in the treated fruits. The essential oil at a concentration of 750 μl/l avoided reduction of color change compared to the control. The activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase enzyme in all essential oil concentrations in both periods had an upward trend. The lowest and highest polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity were recorded in 750 μl/l essential oil treatment and control treatment, respectively. use of essential oil decreased the browning of the fruit tail in which, is probably due to the antioxidant activity of the essential oil. Also, the lowest rate of decay and the highest marketability were observed in the concentration of 750 μl/l of marjoram essential oil. On the other hand, there were significant correlations between most traits. Marketability as one of the most important traits had a positive correlation with traits such as ascorbic acid (r=0.82**) and fruit color (r=0.77**). These results clearly show that the increase of these traits leads to high marketability of cherry fruit. Also, the existence of a negative correlation between the rate of maintaining marketability with the traits of rot (r= -0.95**) and browning of the fruit tail (r= -0.89**) shows that with the increase of these traits, the marketability of the fruit decreases. Finally, according to the findings of the present study and considering the quality and durability of treated cherry fruits compared to untreated fruits, instead of harmful chemical compounds, marjoram essential oil can be recommended as an additive in cherry fruit.Conclusion The use of plant essential oils as a natural method can be effective in increasing the shelf life of this fruit by preventing deterioration and degradation. The results of this study showed that marjoram essential oil at a concentration of 750 µl/l by increasing and maintaining ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, PAL enzyme activity, marketability and also by reducing the activity of PPO enzyme, color variability, degree of rot and browning of the fruit tail led to maintaining the internal quality and better durability of the cherry fruit during storage. The reason for this can be related to the phenolic and antioxidant compounds in marjoram essential oil. These compounds directly affect fruit spoilage and indirectly increase the host fruit's defense system and maintain fruit quality. According to the results of this study, marjoram essential oil with a concentration of 750 µl/l can be introduced as a healthy method to maintain physicochemical properties and improve the cherries quality characteristics after harvest.

Due to high susceptibility to different phytopathogenic fungi the table grapes are considered as of highly perishable crops. For many years the synthetic fungicides have been used for the control of phytopathogens, but because of their harmful effects on human health and environmental safety the use of these chemicals has been restricted. Biological control is one of promising means for controlling some phytopathogens, and Trichoderma harzianum is a candidate for this purpose. In this study we examined the inhibitory effects of different strains of Trichoderma on Botrytis cinerea, and T118 was selected as the most effective strain. Afterwards, the effects of T118 on decay extension rate, quality parameters and phytochemical compounds of table grapes during storage at ambient temperature were studied. Furthermore, response surface methodology was used for establishing a predictive model for the effects of different concentrations of T118 and different storage times on quality indices, decay extension rate and phytochemicals of table grapes. T118 significantly decreased decay extension rate and enhanced fruit shelf life. Treated fruit showed higher flavonoids, and ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant activities. Satisfactory R2 and Adj.R2 was recorded for RS model, and the models had non-significant lack of fit (P > 0.05). The RS model parameters showed a good predictive performance and can be considered validated. In the case of storage at ambient temperature treatment of table grapes with T118 at 6 x 108 CFU mL-1 and storage for 10 days was found to be the optimized condition.

In order to illustrate the relationship between methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in maintaining the quality and improving the postharvest life of strawberry fruit, the harvested fruit were treated with MeJA for 16 h at 20 °C and stored at 3 ± 0.5 °C for 12 days. MeJA enhanced the expression levels of GABA shunt pathway-related genes, including glutamate decarboxylase, GABA transaminase, and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, leading to an increase in GABA accumulation. Treated fruit showed higher levels of total acids, anthocyanins, total phenolics, antioxidants, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, and lower levels of cell membrane deterioration, total soluble solids, polyphenol oxidase activity and decay incidence rate. The results suggest that the positive effects of MeJA in extending the fruit postharvest life, enhancing phytochemical compounds, and decreasing the decay incidence rate may be due to the effects on motivating GABA shunt pathway and PAL enzyme activity.

ABSTR A C T Due to the energy crisis and pollution caused by fossil fuels, the development of renewable fuels is an increasing demand to meet energy needs. Biodiesel fuel, which results from the transesterification process between vege-table or animal oils and alcohols, has a high potential to replace diesel fuels. However, the conventional transesterification processes are costly, time-consuming, and inefficient. Many researchers have accomplished a lot of researches about novel intensification methods to improve the yield of biodiesel production. Therefore, many researchers have considered strong electric fields an advanced molecular decomposition process in recent years. The present study provides an overview of different non-thermal plasma reactors reported in the trans-esterification process. Also, the effect of design and various operational parameters on energy efficiency has been investigated. The data reported in this study can optimize non-thermal plasma reactors and develop new reactor systems.

SummaryNowadays, the use of natural compounds is considered as an effective strategy for maintaining the quality and heath promoting capacity of fresh products. Changes in quality parameters, main phenolics and antioxidants of sweet cherries in response to coating with a novel bioactive edible coating were studied. Fruit were treated with different concentrations of galbanum gum (GG), cumin essential oil (CEO) and CaCl2 (CA) and stored at 2 ± 1°C with 90–95% RH for 30 days plus 1 day at ambient condition, and were subjected to quality analysis. All phenolic constituents and antioxidants of fruit juice were substantially decreased during storage in control fruit and a bioactive coating containing 1 or 2% GG + 100 or 200 µL L−1 CEO + 1% CA maintained main fruit phytochemicals including phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonols, anti‐stress and antioxidant enzymes activities. The coating significantly (P ≤ 0.01) enhanced fruit total antioxidant activity, flavonoids and ferulic acid contents. The results showed that it is possible to enhance the sweet cherry fruit health‐promoting phytochemicals and shelf life by the use of a natural edible coating containing GG and CEO.

Due to high water content and perishability, the raspberry fruit is sensitive to postharvest fungal contamination and postharvest losses. In this study, chitosan was used as an edible coating to increase the storage of raspberries, and nanotechnology was used to increase chitosan efficiency. The fruit was treated with an emulsion containing nanoparticles of chitosan (ECNPC) at 0, 2.5, and 5 g L−1, and stored for 9 d. Decay extension rate, fruit phytochemical contents, including total phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanin content, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and guaiacol-peroxidase enzymes and antioxidant activity, and other qualitative properties were evaluated during and at the end of storage. After 9 d of storage, the highest amounts of phenolics compounds, PAL enzyme activity, and antioxidant activity were observed in fruit treated with ECNPC at 5 g L−1. The highest levels of total phenol, PAL enzyme activity, and antioxidant activity were 57.53 g L−1, 118.88 μmol/min trans-cinnamic acid, and 85.16%, respectively. ECNPC can be considered as an effective, safe, and environmentally friendly method for enhancing fruit phytochemical contents, postharvest life, and health-promoting capacity.