Edible composite films: enhancing the postharvest preservation of blueberry

Abstract

Blueberry is popular among consumers for their unique flavor and rich nutritional content. However, fresh blueberry often has a short shelf life due to microbial contamination and water loss. Existing blueberry preservation methods, such as irradiation, air conditioning, and high-voltage electrostatic fields, have shown certain effectiveness. Nonetheless, their high cost and energy consumption limit their widespread use. Edible composite films, created by incorporating functional substances into an edible film matrix, represent an eco-friendly preservation technology. These films alter the surface microenvironment of fruits by establishing a selective barrier on the fruit's surface, which significantly enhances fruit storage quality. This article provides a comprehensive review of the application of edible composite films in blueberry preservation. By summarizing the spoilage process of blueberry during harvesting and storage, in conjunction with fruit preservation techniques, it explores the feasibility and potential applications of edible composite films. Lastly, it delves into the possibilities and challenges of integrating nanomaterials with edible composite films.