Integration of edible coatings with postharvest storage technologiesfor fruits and vegetables: A systematic review and network analysis

Abstract

Integrating edible coating applications with optimized storage technologies represents a promising strategy to enhance the physicochemical stability, microbial safety, and shelf life of fruits and vegetables. This systematic review and network analysis examines global research trends in integrating edible coatings with storage technologies such as refrigeration, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), controlled atmosphere storage (CA), and cold-chain systems. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in Scopus, yielding 425 initial records. After screening and eligibility assessment, 47 key studies were included in the final analysis. The results show a consistent growth in publications since the mid-2000s with a sharp increase after 2014, peaking in 2024. Spain emerged as a central hub of international collaboration, while key journals served as main dissemination channels. The most frequently combined components were chitosan, alginate, and pectin as biopolymers; essential oils and plant extracts as active compounds; and refrigeration and MAP as storage technologies. Network analysis revealed that biopolymers functioned as central connectors that repeatedly link with the other components. The integrated coating-storage systems improved several postharvest quality attributes of fruits and vegetables to varying degrees, including shelf-life extension ranging from 2 to more than 60 days, preservation of nutritional quality, significant reduction in microbial loads, and maintenance or improvement of sensory attributes. Future research is predicted to focus on active phenolic coatings with controlled release in MAP, smart packaging with real-time monitoring, integration of scavengers and moisture absorbers with coatings, and development of bio-based sensors for detecting temperature abuse in the cold chain. These findings provide a comprehensive knowledge map and research agenda for advancing sustainable postharvest quality management of fresh produce.