Application of carboxymethylcellulose in combination with essential oils nano-emulsions edible coating for the preservation of kiwifruit

The present research investigates the effectiveness of nano-emulsified coatings (C-1, C-2, and C-3) in preserving the kiwifruit at a temperature of 10 +/- 2 degrees C with 90-95 % relative humidity (RH) for 30 days. The nano-emulsions were prepared from varied carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) concentrations with different combinations of essential oils such as thyme, clove, and cardamom. Dynamic light scattering investigation with Zeta Sizer revealed that C-1, C-2, and C-3 nano-emulsions have nano sizes of 81.3 +/- 2.3, 115.3 +/- 4.2, and 63.2 +/- 3.2 nm, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the nanoemulsion of C-1 had homogenous spherical globules, C-2 had voids, and C-3 showed a non-porous structure with uniform dispersion. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that C-1, C-2, and C-3 nano-emulsion exhibited distinct crystallinity and peaks. The nano-emulsion C-1 had reduced crystallinity, while C-2 had lower intensity peaks, and C-3 had increased crystallinity. The results documented that compared to control kiwifruit samples, the samples coated with C-3 nano-emulsion have decreased weight loss, decay incidence, soluble solids, maturity index activity, ethylene production, total bacterial count, and increased titratable acid, and firmness attributes. The results of current research are promising and would be applicable in utilization in industrial applications.