# Chitosan-Based Aerogel Cushioning Packaging for Improving Postharvest Quality of Wax Apples

## TL;DR

This study develops chitosan-based aerogel packaging that reduces mechanical damage and decay in wax apples during storage and transport.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a novel chitosan-based aerogel with antimicrobial copper nanoparticles for multifunctional fruit preservation.

## Key findings

- CM-Cu aerogels reduced wax apple decay by 66% and extended shelf life by 4 days.
- The CM-Cu aerogel showed 5% less weight loss and 6 N greater firmness compared to controls.
- The aerogel packaging preserved fruit color and total soluble solids effectively.

## Abstract

Mechanical damage and microbial contamination are major challenges in the postharvest logistics of perishable fruit. In this study, two types of functionally modified chitosan-based aerogel pads were developed to enhance cushioning and preservation of wax apples. A chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CP) aerogel was first optimized by adjusting solid content, CS:PVA ratio, and crosslinker concentration. The optimal formulation (2% solids, 1:1 CS: PVA, 3% glutaraldehyde) exhibited a uniform porous structure and improved compressive strength. A chitosan/montmorillonite (CM) aerogel with 5% montmorillonite (MMT) showed high porosity, low density, and excellent cyclic stability. Incorporating 10% copper nanoparticle-loaded antibacterial fibers (CuNPs-TNF) into CM aerogels yielded CM-Cu aerogels with enhanced cushioning and antimicrobial properties. Under simulated transport and cold storage conditions, all aerogel-packaged groups reduced mechanical damage and decay of wax apples. Compared to the control, the CM-Cu group showed 66% lower decay, 5% less weight loss, 6 N greater firmness, 7% less juice yield, and a 13% reduction in relative electrical conductivity. Additionally, it better preserved fruit color and total soluble solids, extending shelf life by 4 d at 20 °C. These results demonstrate the potential of chitosan-based aerogels as multifunctional packaging materials that combine mechanical protection with antimicrobial activity for perishable fruit preservation.