Guwahati 29 August : In the midst of tonnes of food trash in the country, a group of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, has created an edible coating that can extend the shelf life of vegetables and fruits.The coating material, that can stop wastage, was tested on fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes green chillies, strawberries Khasi mangodarins, apple, pineapples and Kiwi fruits.
It it was discovered to keep them fresh for a period of nearly two months.
“According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research the range of 4.6 to 15.9 percent of fruits and vegetables go to into waste after harvest, due to storage conditions that are not optimal.In reality, the loss after harvest in certain produce items such as tomatoes, onions, potatoes and potatoes could reach up to 19 percent which can result in the price of this popular commodity,” researcher Vimal Katiyar professor at the institute in a statement.in an announcement.
The team believes that their efforts could help the country achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) goal 12.3 which is designed to reduce losses from food production throughout the supply and production chains including losses after harvest.
The team employed a mixture of micro-algae extracts as well as polysaccharides in order to make edible and protective films that coat fruits and vegetables.
The marine microalgae dubbed Dunaliella Tertiolecta is renowned as having antioxidant properties.It also contains diverse bioactive compounds like carotenoids and proteins as well as polysaccharides.
It can also be utilized as an ingredient of algal oil.This is utilized as an animal-free source of omega-3 fatty acids.It also is considered to be an important biofuel source.of biofuel.
After the oil has been extracted, the remaining oil is generally discarded.
The team utilized extracts from this residue in making the film in combination with the carbohydrate chitosan that has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.It is transformed into a food-grade film.
The characteristics of films with different amounts of algal extract were studied and they were compared with controls.
The edible films that were made by the researchers showed superior antioxidant activity as well as a high percentage of total phenolics, water vapor barrier properties thermal stability, as well as mechanical strength.Also, they showed excellent UV-Vis light blocking properties.
Furthermore, various other customised edible coatings formulations are created to extend the shelf-life of the product according to the requirements.
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