Edible coatings regulate fruit metabolism to extend postharvest quality

Edible coatings may play a much broader role in postharvest preservation than previously believed. A new scientific review proposes that these materials should be regarded as metabolic regulators capable of modifying enzyme activity and the physiological processes that control fruit ripening and deterioration during storage.

Beyond a physical protective barrier

Traditionally, edible coatings have been valued for forming a semi-permeable film that reduces respiration, limits moisture loss and slows gas exchange. However, the authors highlight growing evidence showing that these coatings also influence internal biochemical processes directly associated with fruit quality.

The review explains that edible coatings modify the fruit's surrounding microenvironment, thereby regulating enzymes involved in cell wall degradation, carbohydrate metabolism and oxidative–antioxidant systems that maintain redox balance.

Modulating ripening in different fruit types

The researchers compare climacteric and non-climacteric fruits, showing that climacteric species rely on ethylene-driven enzymatic cascades to regulate softening, colour development and ripening. In contrast, non-climacteric fruits depend mainly on other hormonal pathways and stress-related regulatory mechanisms.

According to the review, edible coatings influence these metabolic pathways by modifying gas exchange, moisture gradients, bioactive compound availability and oxidative balance, ultimately delaying senescence and preserving fruit quality.

Towards next-generation postharvest technologies

The study also integrates evidence from emerging multi-omics technologies, including transcriptomics and metabolomics, to explain how edible coatings affect gene expression and metabolic regulation. Based on these findings, the authors propose a unified mechanistic model linking coating properties with enzymatic modulation and quality preservation.

This new perspective supports the development of next-generation edible coatings designed not only to act as physical barriers but also to precisely regulate fruit metabolism and improve postharvest preservation.

Source

Gidado, M. J., Gunny, A. A. N., Devi, M., Raja Hashim, R. H., Opara, U. L., & Ali, A. (2026). Edible coatings as modulators of enzymatic pathways in postharvest fruit metabolism: A comprehensive review. Food Chemistry. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813026034926