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Science & Tech., Ecology & Environment
Mahesh

30/08/22 22:01 PM IST

New edible coating to prolong shelf life of fruits and vegetables

In News 
  • A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) — Guwahati has developed an edible material that, coated on vegetables and fruits, substantially extended their shelf-life.
Major Findings 
  • The team used a mix of an extract of a marine microalga called Dunaliella tertiolecta and polysaccharides to produce it.
  • The microalga is known for its antioxidant properties and has various bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and proteins.
  • Research is carried out to help farmers keep their produce safe from sprouting & rotting for longer durations & help the country meet UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets on reducing food losses in production and supply chains.
  • The microalga is known for its antioxidant properties and has various bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and proteins.
  • It is also used to produce algal oil, a non-animal source of omega-3 fatty acid and is considered a good source of biofuel. After the oil is extracted, the residue is usually discarded.
  • The researchers used extracts from this residue in formulating their film, in combination with chitosan, which is a carbohydrate. It also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties and can be made into an edible film.  
Source- Down To Earth 

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