Biotechnological development of active polymeric biostructures containing nanoencapsulated essential oils for antifungal protection of horticultural produce

The highly perishable nature of fruit and vegetable products, driven by their high susceptibility to fungal spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, demands advanced biotechnological solutions to mitigate quality deterioration and postharvest economic losses. This research focuses on developing fully sustainable, edible, and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides through the design of bioactive biopolymers.In this study, three innovative polymeric systems were designed and developed: coatings (liquid phase applied directly to the surface), biofilms (preformed biodegradable sheets), and 3D-printed matrices (bio-designed support structures). These biostructures were formulated using edible structural polymers, naturally derived plasticizers, and emulsifiers, and were functionalized with nanoencapsulated essential oils (EOs) acting as antimicrobial agents. These biotechnological systems provide sustained antifungal protection, either through direct contact or via vapor-phase dispersion.To evaluate and validate the potential of these biostructures to extend shelf life, strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) were used as an “in vivo” study model due to their high vulnerability. The efficacy of the developed systems was assessed by monitoring fungal infection incidence alongside critical fruit quality parameters, such as color, weight loss, and firmness.Preliminary trials suggest that applying these matrices—enriched with EO nanoparticles—reduces both the number of infected fruits and the severity of symptoms. Furthermore, the use of these biostructures ensures the preservation of key physicochemical attributes during storage. This research highlights the great potential of materials biotechnology and structural design in the creation of active packaging, offering a natural, safe, and effective strategy for the agri-food sector to address the challenge of food waste.