Impact of Arabinoxylan-Cellulose and Starch Stearic Acid Esters Composite Coatings on Postharvest Quality of Guava

Guava is a highly perishable fruit and is considered climacteric. In this study, guavas (Khaja, i.e., Bengal Safeda) were coated with arabinoxylan (AX)–cellulose stearic acid esters (SAC 1-4%) and arabinoxylan (AX)–starch stearic acid esters (SAS 1-4%) composite coating materials containing 0.1% cinnamon bark oil. Application of antimicrobial composite coatings (AX-SAC 1-4% and AX-SAS 1-4%) and carnauba wax (1-4%) were found to reduce significantly the respiration rate, ethylene production rate, weight loss, color degradation, the process of fruit softening, ripening index and enzymatic activity (PPO and POD) as compared to the uncoated guavas for 9 days at 24°C (±2) with RH of 85%. However, antimicrobial AX-SAC and AX-SAS composite coating were more effective in reducing microbial spoilage and retaining aroma volatiles, total phenolics and flavonoids compared to both uncoated and carnauba wax coated guavas. AX-SAC and AX-SAS (1-4%) coating materials showed no significant cytotoxicity on HepG2 and CaCo-2 cells.