application of silicone membrane technology to increase quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables: a review

Purpose: the prime aim of food storage and preservation is toprotect and preserve food; and hence, extend its shelf life withminimal losses. amongst the various factors involved to increase theshelf life and preservation, packaging plays a very critical role byproviding a good physical barrier to oxygen, moisture,microorganisms, and other volatiles. certain perishable foodproducts require modified and controlled atmospheric packaging inorder to keep them fresh, sterile, clean, and safe. the purpose ofthis study is to analyze and understand the use of siliconemembrane technology in preserving the quality and extending theshelf life of fruits and vegetables. main findings: the siliconemembrane system (sms) being a method of controlling atmosphericcomposition in fruits and vegetable storage, it was found that theshelf life and quality of the products were maintained to its bestthrough selective membrane permeability and product respiration.the sms allows diffusion of gases, at different rates, which isdependent on its physical and chemical properties and can betechnically controlled compared to conventional controlledatmospheric systems. limitations: this technology has been limitedonly to laboratory scale, and needs to be commercialized. anotherbig limitation is its high cost. moreover, certain fruits required preprocessingbefore being kept in chambers with silicone windows.directions for future research: this system needs to be studied ina more appropriate way and in a more cost-effective manner, suchthat it can be commercialized and made available for farmers at lowcost to protect their produce.