Sericin-Chitosan-Aloe vera Composite Coating for the Postharvest Shelf-Life Improvement of Strawberries

Strawberries are highly perishable, leading to significant postharvest losses and reduced fruit quality during storage and distribution. Conventional preservation methods are often insufficient, necessitating the development of innovative and natural approaches to improve the longevity and quality of these fruits. This study investigates the use of sericin, chitosan, and Aloe vera blended formulation (SBF) coating to extend the shelf life and quality of strawberries. The coated strawberries were stored at 14 ± 1 °C and 40–45% humidity, with their properties monitored over 12 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses of strawberries confirmed the uniform application and chemical interaction of the coating, while contact angle measurements demonstrated improved wettability (contact angle 50.73 ± 0.6 °). The SBF coating significantly reduced weight loss and maintained higher firmness i.e. with only 7 ± 1.14% weight loss resulted after 9 days compared to a 16.5 ± 0.7% weight loss in uncoated strawberries. It also preserved higher levels of total soluble solids and titratable acidity compared to uncoated strawberries. Additionally, the SBF coating effectively slowed moisture loss, prevented infection, and regulated pH and respiration rate, demonstrating its potential for postharvest preservation of strawberries.