2026-08-04 ブリティッシュコロンビア大学（UBC）
Strawberries dipped in the agar-based solution, which forms an invisible, edible coating when dry. Credit: Clare Kiernan.
＜関連情報＞
- https://news.ubc.ca/2026/08/ubc-seaweed-coating-keeps-strawberries-fresher-than-a-fridge/
- https://pubs.acs.org/jafcau/article-abstract/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.6c06531/5238431/Self-Assembled-Metal-Phenolic-Agar-Microparticle
自己組織化金属-フェノール-寒天微粒子由来コーティングにより、拡張可能で持続可能な生鮮食品の保存が可能になる Self-Assembled Metal–Phenolic–Agar Microparticle-Derived Coatings Enable Scalable and Sustainable Fresh Produce Preservation
Ivy Chiu;Mohammad Kamali;Qingshi Tu;Tianyu Wang;David D. Kitts;Xiwen Wang;Ling Guo;Tianxi Yang
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Published:August 03, 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.6c06531
Abstract
The burden of food waste highlights the need for effective, scalable preservation strategies. Herein, we developed a natural, biocompatible, plant-based, and consumer-friendly metal–phenolic–agar (MPN–Agar) coating for postharvest preservation. The coating was formed through coordination between micronutrient ions (e.g., Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Fe3+) and tannic acid within an agar matrix, producing stable microscale colloidal particles. Applied to strawberries, grapes, and apple slices, the coating extended shelf life by at least 2-fold. In strawberries, it reduced 4 day weight loss from 30.59% to 13.36% and increased firmness from 18.53 to 41.77 N. The coating also showed antibacterial activity, no cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells, easy removal by water rinsing, and compatibility with food-grade agar. Notably, MPN–Agar coating under room-temperature storage outperformed uncoated refrigeration for strawberries, suggesting potential to reduce cold-chain reliance. Life cycle assessment showed lower carbon footprint and freshwater ecotoxicity than refrigeration, supporting its potential as a sustainable preservation alternative.
