Innovative use of Fe2O3-modified TiO2 coated PE foam for extending the freshness of Barracuda mango

Preserving fruits after harvest has been challenging, especially Barracuda mangoes because they are highly perishable produce. This paper takes a novel approach incorporating the use of Fe2O3-modified TiO2 (Fe2O3/TiO2) coated polyethylene (PE) foam fruit nets to enhance the shelf life of those mangoes. Various aspects of the study include identifying characterization techniques used in Fe2O3/TiO2. The synthesized TiO2 particles were analyzed for particle size distribution and size to get the optimum properties for the coating effectiveness. The study examined the methylene blue (MB) degradation mechanism. A UV–Vis spectrometer was used to determine the optical properties of the Fe2O3-modified TiO2, SEM was used to analyze the surface of the coated PE foam nets, indicating even distribution and strong adhesion of the TiO2 particles. An energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) test was performed together with an SEM analysis to determine the content of conductive elements and to ensure that Fe was modified into the TiO2 structure. This research confirms that Fe2O3/TiO2 coatings effectively increase mangoes’ shelf life through their negative impact on microbial growth and the slowing of other ripening processes. Fe2O3/TiO2 at the maximum concentration of 1.0 % w/v further showed a considerable shelf-life extension of 130.23 % to the control sample without coating. Experimental results revealed that the Fe-modified TiO2 materials performed better in MB degradation tests than unmodified TiO2. The study also established that the photocatalytic effect of TiO2 is improved upon Fe modified because the bandgap is also reduced hence improved antimicrobial efficacy when exposed for a short time under fluorescent light. As a contribution to solving the problem of food waste and disease control in technology after the harvest, this study has identified the possibility of using Fe2O3/TiO2 coatings. Further work should also concentrate on enhancing the use of coating to fit the requirements for large-scale application of this technology.