<i>Trans-</i> Cinnamaldehyde-Loaded Cyclodextrin Nanosponge Impregnated Chitosan Composite Coating for Cherry Tomato Preservation

A chitosan composite coating consisting of trans-Cinnamaldehyde (t-CMA)-laden Cyclodextrin Nanosponge (CS-t-CMA-CD-NS) was formulated and applied to fresh cherry tomatoes to extend their shelf life (4 ± 0.2 °C, 85–87% RH). CS-t-CMA-CD-NS coating exhibited porous, cross-linked nanostructures, which improved surface hydrophobicity and charge, suggesting colloidal stability. The addition of trans-Cinnamaldehyde-loaded Cyclodextrin Nanosponge (t-CMA-CD-NS) into the chitosan matrix lowered the water vapor transmission rate and permeability and enhanced the pseudoplasticity, opacity, and amorphicity of the chitosan coating. CS-t-CMA-CD-NS coating exhibited significant scavenging at 92.12 ± 0.43% (DPPH assay) and displayed maximum bacterial inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.33 ± 1.03 mm) and Escherichia coli (16.66 ± 0.52 mm). A dip-coating process was employed for coating the cherry tomatoes with CS-t-CMA-CD-NS. During the storage period (20 days), the coated cherry tomatoes retained their bright color and lycopene content compared to uncoated cherry tomatoes. As a physical barrier, this nanocomposite coating reduced moisture loss, retained firmness, and delayed acid metabolism, which prevented early ripening in the coated cherry tomatoes. A significant decrease (1.8-fold) in the microbial load between uncoated (525.33 × 104 CFU/mL) and coated (293.33 × 104 CFU/mL) cherry tomatoes was also evident. Principal component analysis revealed that coating as a treatment delayed ripening and quality loss in cherry tomatoes, and correlation confirmed interdependencies among physicochemical and microbial attributes during storage. Unlike wax coatings, the coating was hydrophilic and easily removable. Thus, trans-Cinnamaldehyde-loaded Cyclodextrin Nanosponge can significantly alter the active properties of a suitable polymer matrix to develop coatings that can provide solutions to prevent postharvest losses in fruits/vegetables during logistical operations.