Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide and zinc salts in cellulose-based colloidal systems enhance fruit shelf life

This study explores the development of cellulose-based active colloidal systems to enhance the antimicrobial properties of absorbent food pads and prolong the shelf life of cherry tomatoes. Food pads impregnated with colloidal systems made of microcrystalline cellulose dissolved in tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) with zinc salts (ZnCl2 and ZnSO4) were tested for their antifungal efficacy. In vitro results revealed complete fungal suppression by TBAH alone and in combination with ZnCl2. The interaction between TBAH and ZnSO4 exhibited synergistic antifungal activity, while an additive effect was observed with ZnCl2. In vivo tests showed a significant reduction in fruit rot, with ZnCl₂-treated pads reducing rot by 91 % after 14 days. TBAH was partially bound to cellulose chains, minimizing the risk of fruit contamination, as confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance.