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Sericin Coatings: A Sustainable Approach to Extending Tomato Freshness

Tomatoes, rich in nutrients like lycopene and beta-carotene, face challenges in shelf-life due to respiration and microbial attack. This article explores the potential of sericin-based edible coatings to extend the shelf-life of tomatoes while maintaining their quality. A combination of sericin, chitosan, Aloe vera gel and glycerol was formulated into an edible coating, which was applied to tomatoes. Results indicated that coated tomatoes exhibited significantly lower weight loss (35%) and better firmness compared to uncoated samples (61%) after 45 days. Key quality parameters, including pH, total soluble solids, and antioxidant levels, improved in coated fruits. Additionally, microbial growth was reduced, affirming the protective benefits of the coating. This approach not only enhances tomato preservation but also utilizes sericin, a silk industry by-product, promoting sustainability.