Nano-TiO₂ enhanced fruit storage chambers: unveiling the potential for prolonging banana shelf life

This manuscript focuses on the development of Fruit Storage Chamber (FSC) equipped with nano-TiO₂ and its modular prototype to improve the value of bamboo-based FSC by its photocatalytic and feasibility aspects. Its effects on fruit shelf life and ripening-related gene expression were studied. Cavendish bananas were stored in FSC equipped with nano-TiO₂ and modular FSC for treatments. Relative expression level of ethylene biosynthesis-related (MaACS1, MaACO1) and polyphenol oxidase (MaPPO4, MaPPO5) genes were examined. The dynamics of ripening variables throughout the storage period were illustrated in regression lines, followed with hypothesis testing. Banana quantity showed no significant changes upon storage in FSC equipped with nano-TiO₂. Physical appearance indicated a ripening delay of up to two days on nano-TiO₂ treatments compared to control. Ethylene production rate and ethylene related gene expression were not significantly altered. Browning index was more maintained in nano-TiO₂ treated samples, supported by the observation of slower increase of MaPPO4 and MaPPO5 relative expressions compared to control. The findings highlight the suppression of fruit ripening related gene expression and the maintenance of fruit quality in treated samples compared to control, indicating the potential use of nano-TiO₂ to prolong banana shelf life.