Development of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers incorporated with aqueous plant extracts by solution blow spinning and their application as strawberry coatings

Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers (FWater) and enriched with aqueous extracts of acai pulp (FAP), cocoa shell (FCS), jabuticaba peels (FJP) and carrot residue (FCR) were produced by solution blow spinning (SBS) and applied to strawberries. Nanofibers presented uniform morphology with diameters between 352 (FWater) and 504 (FJP) nm, high TPC content and antioxidant activity, and with photostability of antioxidant activity (reductions of less than 15 %AA after 31 days). FJP and FWater were applied as coatings on strawberries and during storage (7 °C and 90 %RH), it was observed that the coated fruits had smaller changes in color, reduced degradation of antioxidant activities and TPCs, and 50% less occurrence of unsuitable fruits, when compared to the control fruits. Therefore, PVA nanofibers produced by SBS proved viable and applicable, especially those with bioactive compounds, as an alternative to active coatings used to increase the shelf life of strawberries. •Solution blow spinning produced PVA nanofibers with aqueous extract.•Nanofibers presented high total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity.•The nanofibers showed antioxidant activity in light presence for 31 days.•Feasibility of application of nanofibers as fruit coating.•Nanofiber coating extended the shelf life of strawberries.