Evaluation of a predictive model to configure an active packaging with moisture adsorption for fresh tomato

In this study, a model for the simulation of moisture exchange in a perforated active packaging system was applied in the preservation of fresh tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.). In the proposed model, the effect of temperature and relative humidity on the moisture transfer and adsorption through the active packages was considered and included. To evaluate the prediction capacity of the model and its utility to configure the active packaging system, 245 ± 30 g of fresh 'chonto' tomato were packaged in perforated rigid polyethylene terephthalate (PET) clamshells at 10 °C for 17 days. Three configurations of the adsorber were evaluated according to simulations previously performed out: 100 % of the adsorber required to avoid condensation during the entire storage time (18.2 g), 50 % of the required adsorber (9.1 g) and packages without adsorber. A sodium polyacrylate (SPA) and cotton mixture was used as a moisture adsorber in 'sachets' with a proportion of 70 % SPA (w/w). It was possible to adequately simulate and represent the evolution in the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorber and the weight loss of the packaged samples (R2 = 0.96–0.97). Likewise, it was also possible to avoid condensation during the time of evaluation for the packages with 100 % of the adsorber required (18.2 g). During the evaluation, the quality properties of the packaged tomato were not affected, except for the fruit weight and firmness loss. This is a commitment that must be made to guarantee...
Source: Food Packaging and Shelf Life - Category: Food Science Source Type: research