Advancing the application of micro-nano bubble technology for postharvest management of banana fruit

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the most important tropical fruit crops, valued for its high nutritional content and economic significance in both local and global markets. However, its climacteric nature results in rapid postharvest ripening, leading to significant losses along the supply chain, particularly in regions lacking adequate storage and transportation infrastructure. Effective ripening management is therefore essential to maintain fruit quality, extend shelf life and reduce postharvest losses. This review summarises the physicochemical, metabolite and phytochemical changes, and protein and enzymatic activities of banana fruit during postharvest ripening. Furthermore, current ripening strategies employed in banana handling, including ethylene (C2H4) fumigation, calcium carbide and ethephon treatment are discussed. Ethylene fumigation (the most widely adopted method) is considered a safe ripening strategy. However, the traditional fumigation method is often costly and time-intensive. Therefore, this review further explores the potential application of micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) as an alternative, sustainable and effective ripening strategy. This review highlights the effects of MNBs, with C2H4-MNBs promoting ripening, while 1-methylcyclopropene-MNBs delay ripening and extend fruit shelf-life. Major research gaps underlying metabolic, enzymatic and proteomic pathways regulating C2H4-/MNBs-treated fruit during postharvest storage are emphasised for future investigations.