Chitosan/PVA/gelatin derived biodegradable coatings enriched with Rosa rubiginosa for extended shelf life and preservation of strawberries

Abstract

This study developed biodegradable composite coatings and films using chitosan (CS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and gelatin enriched with Rosa rubiginosa extract (RRE) to enhance the shelf life of strawberries. The coatings were prepared through solution blending and applied via dip-coating, while the corresponding films were fabricated using solution casting. FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed the effective molecular interactions and uniform microstructure within the composite matrix. Increasing the proportion of RRE improved functional performance by reducing the moisture content, water solubility, water absorption, and oxygen permeability. The formulation with the highest RRE content (BS-03) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (78.8 ± 1.01% DPPH inhibition; IC₅₀ = 0.3 mg mL⁻¹) and enhanced antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. Soil burial tests revealed that the films were biodegradable, with BS-02 and BS-03 showing mass losses of up to 91.29% and 86.79% after 45 days, respectively. When applied to strawberries, the coatings significantly reduced weight loss and delayed visible spoilage, extending the shelf life by up to 10 days compared to uncoated fruit. Sensory evaluation also confirmed better color, firmness, and acceptability of the coated samples. These findings demonstrate that CS/PVA/gelatin coatings enriched with RRE offer a promising, safe, and eco-friendly approach for prolonging the freshness of perishable fruits.