Abstract

ALVAREZ, Urías Montiel; GOMEZ, Natalia Andrea  and  ESCOBAR, Diana Marcela. Plantain-starch-based coating (Musa ABB) for the protection of export plantain. Acta Agron. [online]. 2022, vol.71, n.4, pp.357-368.  Epub Apr 10, 2024. ISSN 0120-2812.  https://doi.org/10.15446/acag.v71n4.106827.

In the present work, the possibility of developing a starch- based coating to extend the useful life of export-type bananas was evaluated, and its potential application as protection for postharvest fruit was studied. In the experimental development, starch was extracted from banana pulp. It was characterized and used as a base biopolymer for the manufacture of films, in which the starch percentage varied (3 and 4 % p/v), glycerol (2 and 3 % p/v) and thyme extract (0.05 % v/v) were used as plasticizer and antimicrobial agent, respectively. Each film produced was characterized by FTIR and SEM, and their water vapor permeability and thickness were evaluated by mechanical tests. The results showed films with an average thickness of

0.25 mm, with adequate flexibility provided by the added glycerol, as well as stability, evidenced in the FTIR. The SEM images showed homogeneous surfaces that allow adequate water vapor permeability for oxygen exchange in the fruit. According to the results, it was established that the formulation that presented the best characteristics for the protection of banana fruit was the one containing 3 % p/v starch, 3 % v/v glycerol and 0.05 % v/v thyme extract.

Keywords : starch; biopolymer; film; banana; protection.

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