A groundbreaking technology has been developed to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut crops by injecting them with melatonin, delaying spoilage and reducing food waste. The innovative approach could revolutionize the way we preserve produce.
Researchers at MIT and SMART have developed a novel technology that uses biodegradable microneedles to inject fresh-cut crops with ‘melatonin‘ , delaying spoilage. This innovative approach could help reduce food waste and provide an alternative or complement to refrigeration.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Founded in 1861, MIT is one of the world's leading technological and scientific institutions.
It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, physics, computer science, and biology.
MIT is known for its rigorous academic standards, innovative research, and highly selective admissions process.
The researchers applied small patches of silk microneedles containing ‘melatonin’ to the base of pak choy plants, a leafy vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine. The microneedles delivered precise amounts of ‘melatonin’ into the plant’s inner tissues, regulating its post-harvest physiology.
The study found that ‘melatonin‘ -treated pak choy plants retained their saleable value for four days longer than untreated plants at room temperature. In refrigerated conditions, the treated plants remained green until day 25, compared to day 20 for the control group.
Melatonin played a key role in enhancing the shelf life of pak choy by regulating plant stress responses and preserving chlorophyll levels. The researchers detected higher antioxidant activity in ‘melatonin’ -treated plants and observed gene expression changes that indicated a protective chain reaction against senescence.
While the microneedle-based approach showed promise, the researchers noted that deployment at scale would require further development to justify its use. They envisioned the technology being applied using tractors, autonomous drones, and other farming equipment to minimize waste and increase efficiency.
The research team plans to explore the effects of various hormones on different crops using their microneedle delivery technology. They aim to optimize the technique for scaling up production and improving its impact on crop value and quality.
