Research Topic: shelf-life extension

The role of Micro-biome engineering in enhancing Food safety and quality

Microbiome engineering uses advanced biotechnology to strategically modify helpful bacteria in food to make it safer and higher quality. By using tools like CRISPR gene editing and engineering beneficial probiotics, scientists can prevent food spoilage, reduce harmful bacteria, improve nutrition, and create better-tasting foods. These innovations could reduce reliance on synthetic preservatives and chemicals while addressing global food safety challenges and helping combat malnutrition.

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Recent advances and role of melatonin in post-harvest quality preservation of shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms are nutritious but spoil quickly after harvest due to their high water content and lack of protective skin. This review explores how melatonin and various preservation methods like proper cooling, special packaging, and drying can extend shelf life and maintain quality. Different techniques work by controlling moisture, slowing respiration, preventing browning, and controlling microbial growth. Combining multiple methods, such as vacuum cooling with special packaging, provides the best results for preserving the mushrooms’ taste, nutrition, and appearance.

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Essential Oil Nanoemulsions—A New Strategy to Extend the Shelf Life of Smoothies

This review explores how essential oil nanoemulsions could naturally preserve smoothies and extend their freshness. Essential oils have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties but taste and smell too strong at effective doses. Nanoemulsions—tiny oil droplets encapsulated in water—solve this problem by being more effective at lower concentrations while maintaining good taste, making them a promising natural alternative to chemical preservatives.

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Carvacrol Encapsulation in Chitosan–Carboxymethylcellulose–Alginate Nanocarriers for Postharvest Tomato Protection

Researchers created tiny nanocarriers made from natural biopolymers that can deliver carvacrol, a natural antimicrobial compound from oregano and thyme, to protect tomatoes from fungal rot after harvest. These nano-sized delivery systems were more effective than the unencapsulated carvacrol at fighting three common postharvest fungal pathogens. The treatment is safe and could offer a sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides for keeping harvested tomatoes fresh longer.

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Effect of Antibacterial Peptide Microsphere Coating on the Microbial and Physicochemical Characteristics of Tricholoma matsutake during Cold Storage

This research demonstrates that coating expensive wild matsutake mushrooms with special antimicrobial peptides wrapped in tiny polymer microspheres can keep them fresh for up to 20 days instead of just 1-3 days. The coating works by protecting mushrooms from water loss, microbial spoilage, and browning while preserving their texture and nutritional quality. This edible coating technology could help mushroom producers sell their products over longer distances and extend availability of these prized wild mushrooms.

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Packaging of Fresh Sliced Mushrooms with Essential Oils Vapours: A New Technology for Maintaining Quality and Extending Shelf Life

Researchers developed a new packaging method for sliced mushrooms that uses essential oil vapors combined with modified atmosphere packaging to keep them fresh longer. The treatment with essential oils from eugenol, bergamot, and grapefruit prevented browning and slowed bacterial growth, allowing packaged mushrooms to stay fresh and appealing for about 12 days at refrigeration temperature. This is significantly longer than untreated mushrooms which became unacceptable after just 5 days. The method works naturally without synthetic chemicals and could help reduce food waste from mushroom spoilage.

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