Chilean scientists find new way to control fruit decomposition - FreshFruitPortal.com

Chilean scientists find new way to control fruit decomposition

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Chilean scientists find new way to control fruit decomposition

As the largest fruit exporter in the Southern Hemisphere and a nation with some of the longest distances to reach the world's main markets, it makes sense that Chileans would seek fresh ways to keep their produce in top shape. shutterstock_83189602 1 small various fruits and vegetables

This is exactly what has taken place at the Universidad AndrƩs Bello (UNAB), where a multidisciplinary team of four scientists has patented a revolutionary advance in biotechnology - a polymer that encapsulates various gases that are present in nature, allowing for a controlled release system.

The development was prompted by the need to control ripening processes in fruit, with the scientists applying technology used in nanomedicine to the agricultural industry.

"There are thousands of gases and volatile compounds in nature that cannot be used in agriculture because they are very difficult to transport to the fields," explained the university's Dr. Reinaldo Campos in a release.

"What this new product is doing is overcome that impediment, offering a versatile, secure and cheap format."

The technology means the ripening process will be under control during transit periods, avoiding losses from decomposition.

The group added the fruit would thus maintain its form, fragrance and sweetness, while treated with a product that was biodegradable, biocompatible, inexpensive and accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Even though the project has only been focused on postharvest applications, the researchers indicated it could also be used in the crop's growth stage.

"Shortly after, we realized that the agricultural applications were infinite and for global use: from flower crops in the Netherlands to the production of rice in China," said Dr. Danilo GonzƔlez, who is also part of the team.

"On the other hand, given the common conceptual basis of this innovation with biomedicine, it is logical that this progress coudl have endless applications in this area."

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