Deep Eutectic Solvents as Green Alternatives in Postharvest Fruit Preservation: a Comprehensive Review

Postharvest fruit losses remain a critical challenge in global agriculture, prompting the search for sustainable and eco-friendly preservation strategies. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a novel class of green solvents composed of biodegradable components, have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional chemical preservatives. This review highlights the recent advances in the application of DESs for postharvest fruit preservation, focusing on their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and film-forming properties, as well as their use in the extraction of natural preservatives. The unique physicochemical characteristics of DESs, such as low explosiveness, high solubilising capacity, and tunable polarity, make them suitable for use in edible coatings, nanoemulsions, and the extraction of bioactive compounds. We also explored the synergistic potential of DESs when combined with biopolymers and natural antimicrobials to enhance fruit shelf life and quality attributes, including texture, colour, and nutritional value. Despite their promise, challenges related to toxicity, scalability, and regulatory acceptance must be addressed for successful commercial adoption. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge, recent case studies, and future perspectives on the integration of DESs into sustainable postharvest fruit preservation systems.