Application of Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Its Edible Composite Coating in Fruit Preservation

ABSTRACT Fruits are highly susceptible to quality deterioration and spoilage during postharvest storage. Edible coating emerges as an effective strategy to prolong the postharvest life of fruit and enhance their quality during storage. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a polysaccharide derivative widely applied in various industries due to its excellent barrier and mechanical properties. CMC has been utilized as an edible coating material for postharvest preservation of fruit for many years. Ongoing research is centred on the development of composite films by integrating CMC with natural biopolymers or potential active agents to augment their functionality in postharvest fruit preservation. This review consolidates findings on composite coatings of CMC combined with various materials for fruit storage and preservation, shedding light on the challenges associated with such composite coatings. Combining CMC‐based coatings with bioactive substances enhances their efficacy in fruit preservation. The exceptional performance of CMC‐based coatings extends the shelf life of fruit. The interaction between additives and CMC presents challenges to composite coatings.