A molecularly-guided strategy to block ethylene biosynthesis and prolong fruit shelf life.

Abstract

Postharvest fruit deterioration is mainly driven by ethylene accumulation, oxidative damage, water loss and microbial infection. Here, we developed a biodegradable composite film made from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and tannic acid, named CMC@TA, for active fruit preservation. Boltz-2 predicted TA binding near the Fe2+-associated catalytic region of ACC oxidase. Isothermal titration calorimetry indicated TA-ACO binding (Kd = 9.93 μM), while cellular imaging showed overlapping signals. The CMC@TA film showed antioxidant, water-retention and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. Compared with polyethylene (PE) wrapping, CMC@TA reduced ethylene emission by 14% in bananas and 71% in hardy kiwifruits after six days. Relative to PE, CMC@TA reduced weight loss by 36-46% in climacteric and 40-45% in non-climacteric fruits, and prolonged climacteric fruit shelf life by 25-60%. Preservation improved in seven fruit species. Soil degradation, sprout growth and drinking-water exposure assays confirmed its biodegradability and biosafety. This work provides a mechanism-guided packaging strategy for reducing fruit loss.

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