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Applications of Natural Polymers in the Grapevine Industry: Plant Protection and Value-Added Utilization of Waste

Summary

Grapevines face significant challenges from drought, extreme temperatures, and fungal diseases. Natural polymers like chitosan, alginate, and cellulose can create protective coatings on grapes that help them retain water, resist pests, and stay healthy. Additionally, waste from grape processing can be recycled into valuable compounds and encapsulated in these polymers for use as plant strengtheners or in food and pharmaceuticals, creating a more sustainable wine industry.

Background

The grapevine industry faces significant challenges including environmental stress from climate change, microbial infections, pest infestations, and substantial waste management issues. Natural polymers such as chitosan, alginate, and cellulose offer biocompatible and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials, presenting opportunities for sustainable solutions in viticulture.

Objective

This review examines how natural polymers can address critical challenges in the grapevine industry through two primary applications: enhancing plant protection against environmental stressors and pathogens, and valorizing grapevine waste by encapsulating bioactive compounds in polymer matrices for agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical applications.

Results

Natural polymers demonstrate multiple beneficial properties including antimicrobial activity, film-forming capacity, water retention, temperature buffering, and efficient encapsulation of bioactive compounds. Applications include protective coatings for abiotic stress resistance, pathogen control, post-harvest preservation, and delivery of polyphenols and other compounds from grape waste.

Conclusion

Natural polymers present integrated solutions for sustainable viticulture by providing plant protection and enabling circular economy approaches through waste valorization. Future research should focus on optimizing formulations, scaling production, and developing comprehensive sustainability frameworks that enhance both environmental and economic viability in the grapevine industry.
  • Published in:Polymers (Basel),
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39795420, PMCID: PMC11722739
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