Extending Shelf Life of Fruits Using UV-Activated TiO₂ Nanoparticle Coatings on Cardboard Packaging

Abstract

Over-ripening of fruits due to ethylene emission has resulted in significant fruit waste during the production and transportation processes. Thus, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) have been chosen for coating onto cardboard to degrade ethylene produced by fruits, thereby increasing their shelf life. TiO₂ NPs were precipitated onto cardboard using ammonium hydroxide and titanium chloride. Pieces of banana peels were placed in cardboard boxes with coatings that were activated by UV light and then monitored for days. TiO₂-coated packaging showed visible improvements in reducing ethylene effects on the banana peels' ripening process.