Gamma-irradiated PVA/bacterial cellulose aerogels as ethylene scavengers for climacteric fruit preservation

A green, bio-based aerogel composite was developed as a preliminary ethylene scavenger to extend the shelf life of climacteric fruits. The aerogel was fabricated from bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNC) produced by acid hydrolysis of bacterial cellulose. These nanocrystals were blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) using gamma irradiation at 30 kGy, without the use of chemical crosslinkers. The crystalline structure of composites with varying BCNC content was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed significant morphological changes. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis showed that the aerogel containing 4% (w/w) BCNC achieved optimal specific surface area and pore characteristics, supporting its suitability for ethylene scavenging. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) was incorporated into the BCNC/PVA matrix at 3% (w/w) to further enhance photocatalytic ethylene degradation. The successful incorporation and structural stability of the metal oxide–loaded aerogels were verified by XRD, SEM, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The resulting aerogel composites reduced banana weight loss during storage, demonstrating their effectiveness in retarding ripening and extending the shelf life of climacteric fruits. These results underscore the potential of this bio-based aerogel as a sustainable packaging material for postharvest climacteric fruits preservation.