ABSTRACT
Currently, the use of new technologies to improve the agri-food sector is necessary. In the postharvest of fruits and vegetables, there is a variety of problems that generate economic losses due to decreased quality of food. After the harvest, fruits and vegetables maintain an active metabolism that gives rise to changes at the biochemical level that affect quality. Respiration rate is one of the main processes that directly influence the postharvest quality and shelf life, since from this, water is lost, fruit firmness decreases, and enzymatic browning is produced, among other negative effects. The application of coatings and the use of packaging have been fundamental to improving postharvest quality and shelf life, although these technologies are still to be improved. Nanotechnology, due to its particular properties, has been used in postharvest in coatings or even in packaging, and it has been possible to greatly improve both postharvest quality and shelf life. However, the nanomaterials used in some cases are applied directly to food, meaning that they are consumed, and could be risky for human health. Even the nanomaterials used in packaging or other structures that are not consumed directly with food could eventually end up accumulating in the soil and water, and, from there, move through the food chain and can be risky for living organisms and the environment. Even though there are positive effects of using nanotechnology postharvest, all the possible risks that this technology presents to human health and the environment must be considered. Also, it is required to generate the necessary information to use nanotechnology in postharvest in the most appropriate way possible and thus to avoid or minimize its negative impact.
