Artichoke leaf extract coating on polylactic acid packaging to prolong fruit shelf life

The growing demand for safe and fresh food, coupled with the challenge of significant food loss and waste, has stimulated research on active packaging. In this study, artichoke leaf extract (ALE), obtained from food loss streams, was mixed with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to develop an active coating on polylactic acid (PLA) packaging using a spray-coating approach. Surface modification of PLA with 1 % w / v PLA and 20 wt% and polyethylene glycol improved hydrophilicity, enhancing coating adherence. Substituting ALE for CMC reduced solution viscosity, allowing a uniform coating. The inclusion of ALE conferred antioxidants (40–67 % DPPH scavenging) and antibacterial properties (2.11 and 1.08 Log reduction against E. coli and S. aureus ) to the coating, with controlled release governed by diffusion and swelling in lipophilic media (50 % ethanol) and predominantly swelling-controlled release in hydrophilic media (10 % ethanol and 3 % acetic acid). Analysis of the performance of active packaging in preservation of cut apples and strawberries demonstrated that ALE-coated PLA packaging effectively slowed oxidation, acid degradation, and microbial proliferation in cut apples and strawberries over 8 and 10 days storage, respectively, thereby improving overall freshness. While limited improvements were observed for firmness and browning in apples, coated packaging significantly enhanced phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and microbial stability, with strawberries showing the strongest protective effects. These findings highlight the potential of ALE-based coatings as a sustainable strategy to extend fruit shelf life and reduce food waste through active packaging solutions. • An active coating was developed for PLA packaging using artichoke leaf extract (ALE). • CMC increased ALE solution viscosity and improved coating formation. • Pre-coating PLA with PLA-PEG solution enhanced adhesion of the active coating layer. • The active coating conferred antioxidant and antibacterial activity to PLA packaging. • Shelf-life studies on cut apples and strawberries showed improved freshness.