Layer-by-layer edible coatings application for preserving banana fruit quality

Bananas are climacteric fruits characterised by high postharvest respiration and rapid ripening, leading to significant quality deterioration and reduced shelf life under ambient storage conditions.
This study investigated the effectiveness of layer-by-layer edible coatings formulated from chitosan, gelatin, pectin, and pectin/gelatin composite in preserving banana fruit quality during storage at 21±2°C. Fruits were treated with bilayer coatings comprising a primary layer (pectin, gelatin, or a pectin/gelatin composite) followed by a chitosan layer.
Quality parameters, including total colour difference, weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), and firmness, were evaluated at three-day intervals.
Results showed that coated fruits exhibited delayed colour change, reduced weight loss, slower TSS increase, and improved firmness retention compared to the uncoated control.
The control fruits ripened rapidly and were terminated after 6 days, while the coatings extended the ripening to 9 days.
Overall, layer-by-layer coatings demonstrated potential as a sustainable strategy for enhancing postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of bananas.

IV International Symposium on Beverage Crops

P. Makhado, Y. Silue, M.H. Shinga, O.A. Fawole

banana, climacteric fruit, edible coating, layer-by-layer, postharvest quality

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1466.55