SBIR Phase I: Nanocomposite Coating to Extend Shelf-Life of Produce

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an edible, compostable coating capable of extending the shelf life of produce beyond that achieved by current wax coatings. In addition, this project will help reduce postharvest byproducts and strengthen food security. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I will develop a coating with its performance derived from its micro- and nanoscale layers and structures. The approach is differentiated from other state-of-the-art methods by providing advantages through its composite multifunctional structure. This new coating overcomes the challenge of achieving effective barrier properties. Furthermore, the coatings offer potential for nutrient fortification. Prior work demonstrated promising shelf-life extension nearly tripling shelf life as compared to control groups. While these lab-scale results are promising, the performance of the coatings under commercial-scale processing and variable storage conditions remains untested. This Phase I project will advance the prototype and lead to the development of a scalable, commercially relevant formulation and application process suitable for pilot testing. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.