CHITOSAN-BASED FORMULATIONS AND NANOCAPSULES WITH LIPPIA BERLANDIERI ESSENTIAL OIL AND THEIR USE AS ORGANIC EDIBLE COATINGS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF QUALITY AND SHELF LIFE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

摘要

The present disclosure is related to the formulation of edible organic and biodegradable coatings as a novel natural storage alternative thus lengthening the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The invention comprises the development of a chitosan-based coating which is a highly resistant and biodegradable polymer with a broad antimicrobial spectrum used for the sustained release of active principles incorporating nanocapsules with Lippia berlandieri (marjoram) essential oil; an endemic product to Mexico and also inexpensive in the country. It is a powerful antioxidant and natural antimicrobial agent that significantly improves the quality and shelf life of treated fruits and vegetables by maintaining the cover integrity for more time and being released in a sustained manner. The development of this project not only contributes to the generation of novel and biotechnological products that can address not only the agrifood-related problems, but also the development of rural communitie s for promoting the sale of marjoram.