Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide and zinc salts in cellulose-based colloidal systems enhance fruit shelf life
This study explores the development of cellulose-based active colloidal systems to enhance the antimicrobial properties of absorbent food pads and prolong the shelf life of cherry tomatoes. Food pads impregnated with colloidal systems made of microcrystalline cellulose dissolved in tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) with zinc salts (ZnCl<sub>2</sub> and ZnSO<sub>4</sub>) were tested for their antifungal efficacy. In vitro results revealed complete fungal suppression by TBAH alone and in combination with ZnCl<sub>2</sub>. The interaction between TBAH and ZnSO<sub>4</sub> exhibited synergistic antifungal activity, while an additive effect was observed with ZnCl<sub>2</sub>. In vivo tests showed a significant reduction in fruit rot, with ZnCl₂-treated pads reducing rot by 91 % after 14 days. TBAH was partially bound to cellulose chains, minimizing the risk of fruit contamination, as confirmed by <sup>1</sup>H nuclear magnetic resonance.
Authors
- Rosaria Anna Picca (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8033-098X)
- Simona Marianna Sanzani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1631-638X)
- Nicola Cioffi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6765-440X)
- Ornella Incerti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0008-5916)
- Luigi Gentile (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6854-2963)
- Maria Chiara Sportelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8832-2770)
- M. Pasqualicchio
- Andrea Brattelli
Institutions
- University of Bari Aldo Moro (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Food Chemistry
- Published
- 2025-04-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.144494
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.19