Application of Smart Packaging on the Preservation of Different Types of Perishable Fruits

The packaging of perishable products, such as fruits, contributes to their preservation during storage and safe transportation. The use of suitable packaging materials contributes to forming a desirable atmosphere inside the package so that the level of respiration, transpiration, and ethylene emission can be kept low. However, it would be useful for consumers to know relevant information on the deterioration rate of different types of fruit (tree fruits, berries, stone fruits, and aggregate accessory fruits). The technology of intelligent and active packaging systems (smart packaging) enables the provision of information related to the deterioration rate of fruits to consumers and, in parallel, extends the shelf life of fruits and other plant-based foods, maintaining a high quality. Intelligent packaging systems include biosensors and gas sensors, along with microbial, freshness, and time-temperature indicators. On the other hand, the active packaging system includes the use of moisture, odor, and gas absorbers, along with antioxidant and antimicrobial agents to maintain the quality of plant-based foods and extend their shelf life. This review article aims to make an in-depth evaluation of the most relevant literature on this topic by highlighting the challenges, trends, and future directions related to different types of fruits.