Development of a Bioactive Alginate-Based Biomaterial Enriched With Banana Rachis Extract for Postharvest...

Fungal decay is a major limitation to the shelf-life and marketability of fresh mango. However, limited information is available regarding the development of multifunctional bioactive biomaterials capable of modulating fruit physiological and biochemical responses during storage. In this study, a sodium alginate edible coating enriched with plant-derived bioactives, including freeze-dried banana rachis leachate (Musa spp.) and an ethanolic leaf extract of Eugenia uniflora L., was evalueted as a biofunctional polymeric matrix designed to act as a bioactive interface between the fruit surface and the storage environment, to suppress postharvest decay and maintain quality in "Manila" mango during shelf-life storage. SEM and FTIR analyses confirmed the formation of a cross-linked coating matrix with heterogeneous structural features and suggested molecular interactions between alginate and phenolic constituents of the extracts. Fruits were stored for 16 days at 25°C and 50%-70% RH under four treatments: an uncoated control (T4) and three coating formulations (T1: extract + CaCl₂, T2: extract only, T3: base coating). The best formulation (T1) reduced the rot severity by 62% relative to the control (p < 0.01), maintained higher firmness (+42%, p < 0.05), and delayed ripening as indicated by lower reducing sugars. T1 also enhanced retention of vitamin C (+32%), total phenolics (+27%), and antioxidant activity (+39%) compared to the control (p < 0.05), suggesting improved oxidative stability and delayed senescence processes. Importantly, T1 exhibited higher cumulative weight loss than the uncoated control, indicating that its performance was primarily associated with bioactive modulation rather than effective water-vapor barrier performance under in vivo conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of bioactive edible coatings derived from agro-industrial residues as sustainable biomaterial systems for postharvest biological preservation and functional quality retention in fresh produce. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Natural edible coating made from alginate and plant-derived extracts may help reduce postharvest decay and maintain mango quality during storage. The formulation uses agro-industrial residues, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides. This approach could support fruit producers and exporters seeking eco-friendly strategies to extend shelf-life and reduce postharvest losses in mango fruits.