A study evaluated the effectiveness of chitosan-based biopolymer films as an alternative packaging material for enhancing the post-harvest quality and shelf life of jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) flowers during export.
Chitosan-tween 80 and chitosan-glycerol films were prepared using the solvent-casting method and characterized for their physical and chemical properties, including surface morphology, UV absorbance, and thermal stability. The packaging effects were compared against conventional films, aluminium-foil-lined boxes with gel ice, and untreated flowers in a Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments and 4 replications. Visual and physiological parameters were evaluated over 3 days, including freshness index, flower opening index, color retention, fragrance index, moisture content, physiological loss in weight, and shelf life.
The results indicated that chitosan-glycerol films exhibited superior properties, extending the shelf life to 4.16 days compared to 2.7 days in the control, offering a sustainable and cost-effective packaging solution for the floriculture industry.
Ffadhilah, A & Chitra, R & Mathian, Ganga & Prasanthrajan, M & Djanaguiraman, M. (2024). Chitosan-based biodegradable packaging: Enhancing the shelf life and quality of Jasminum sambac L. flowers. Plant Science Today. 11. 10.14719/pst.5438.
Source: Research Gate