It is known that ethylene plays an important role in the quality characteristics of fruits, especially in storage. To avoid the deterioration of fruits caused by ethylene, titanium dioxide (TiO) has been used due to its photocatalytic capacity. The aim of this study was to develop films based on two types of biopolymers, Mater-Bi (MB) and poly-lactic acid (PLA), with nanoparticles of TiO and to determine their ethylene removal capacity and its application in bananas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEthylene is a phytohormone that is responsible of fruit and vegetable ripening. TiO has been studied as a possible solution to slowing down unwanted ripening processes, due to its photocatalytic capacity which enables it to remove ethylene. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop nanocomposites based on two types of eco-friendly materials: Mater-Bi (MB) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) combined with nano-TiO for ethylene removal and to determine their ethylene-removal capacity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe bioleaching process is carried out by aerobic acidophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria that are mainly mesophilic or moderately thermophilic. However, many mining sites are located in areas where the mean temperature is lower than the optimal growth temperature of these microorganisms. In this work, we report the obtaining and characterization of two psychrotolerant bioleaching bacterial strains from low-temperature sites that included an abandoned mine site in Chilean Patagonia (PG05) and an acid rock drainage in Marian Cove, King George Island in Antarctic (MC2.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe deterioration of the physical-mechanical properties and loss of the chemical safety of plastics after consumption are topics of concern for food packaging applications. Incorporating nanoclays is an alternative to improve the performance of recycled plastics. However, properties and overall migration from polymer/clay nanocomposites to food require to be evaluated case-by-case.
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