Desarrollo de un biorecubrimiento a partir de cera de abeja para mejorar la vida útil de las fresas

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of bio-coatings to extend the shelf life of strawberries, a highly perishable fruit that poses significant commercial challenges for farmers, with the aim of replacing conventional preservation methods, which are generally chemical in nature and potentially hazardous to consumer health. The study's methodology focused on the formulation of three distinct bio-coatings, each combining beeswax with walnut oil and essential oils of oregano and clove, chosen for their well-known antimicrobial properties. The effectiveness of these coatings was rigorously evaluated through a series of physicochemical assays, such as weight loss, rot percentage, color, pH, total soluble solids content, and titratable acidity. Additionally, microbiological tests were conducted to determine the bio-coatings' resistance against various concentrations (1:10; 1:100; 1:1000) of the fungus B. cinerea, responsible for post-harvest rot in strawberries. Tests were carried out under two temperature regimes: room temperature (17-22) Celsius and refrigeration (4-7) Celsius; this methodological approach not only confirmed the efficacy of the bio-coatings under different conditions but also contributed to the forefront of research in natural food preservatives. The results obtained showed that strawberries treated with the bio-coatings maintain their sensory and nutritional attributes for an extended period, up to 8 days under room conditions and up to 15 days in refrigeration; this finding represents a significant step towards natural and sustainable preservation methods.