Search Results (49)

This study investigates the design of bio-hybrid sandwich composites by combining polyester/glass skins with cores reinforced by continuous Musa paradisiaca fibres. The aim is to quantify how fibre weight fraction and alkaline surface treatment control the Charpy impact performance of these systems. Sandwich laminates were manufactured with three fibre loadings in the core (20, 25 and 30 wt.%), using fibres in the as-received condition and after alkaline treatment in NaOH solution. Charpy impact specimens were machined from the laminates and tested according to ISO 179-1. Fibre morphology and fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor changes in surface chemistry after alkaline treatment. The combined effect of fibre content and treatment on absorbed energy was assessed through a two-way analysis of variance. Increasing Musa paradisiaca fibre content up to 30 wt.% enhanced the impact energy of the sandwich composites, and alkaline treatment further improved performance by strengthening fibre–matrix adhesion and promoting fibre pull-out, crack deflection and bridging mechanisms. The best Charpy impact response was obtained for cores containing 30 wt.% NaOH-treated fibres, demonstrating that surface modification and optimised fibre loading are effective design parameters for toughening polyester/glass bio-hybrid sandwich composites. Full article

Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) is a tropical monocotyledonous, succulent plant of the Musaceae family commonly grown for food in the tropical regions of the African, Asian, and South American continents, where its parts are also sought for ethnomedicinal purposes in the treatment of burns, inflammation, and diabetes, among others. In the present preliminary exploratory study, the ethanol extract of the underutilized Musa paradisiaca peel (MPE) was evaluated for its in vitro inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, as well as its in vivo hypoglycemic activity and potential biochemical toxicity. MPE (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) was orally administered to normal experimental rats for 30 days, following which the lipid profile, antioxidant status, and serum/tissue indices of hepatic, renal, and cardiac functions were evaluated. MPE produced significant inhibition (p < 0.05) of α-amylase (37%) and α-glucosidase (46%) at 120 µg/mL in vitro. The effect was lower than that of acarbose (IC₅₀ = 44.4 ± 1.14 and 15.60 ± 0.01 µg/mL, respectively). A modest blood glucose-lowering effect of MPE was observed at the highest tested dose (400 mg/kg) following subacute oral administration. During this treatment period, no biochemical alterations of toxicological importance were caused by MPE, as the organ–body weight ratio and serum/tissue indicators of organ function/damage were not adversely altered. In conclusion, MPE demonstrated inhibitory activity against both α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which may contribute to its potential hypoglycemic effects. Additionally, the findings indicate that the peel extract is non-toxic in rats following sub-acute administration at doses up to 400 mg/kg body weight. Further studies involving diabetic models and chronic exposure will substantiate and extend these preliminary observations. Full article

The postharvest preservation of banana (Musa paradisiaca) is essential to maintain fruit quality and minimize losses during storage and export. Packaging films play a critical role in protecting fruit from mechanical damage and environmental stress. This study compared the physicochemical and mechanical properties of two commercial polyethylene films—high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE)—under controlled postharvest conditions (13 °C, 95% RH). Films were characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), while tensile testing evaluated mechanical performance. HDPE exhibited greater melting stability (+8%), relative crystallinity (+12%), and tensile strength (+15%) compared with LDPE, which presented higher flexibility. HDPE contained trace zinc (0.82–0.94 mg/100 g), whereas LDPE was zinc-free. Both polymers retained their polyethylene fingerprint without oxidative degradation, confirming structural integrity under cold storage. The TGA data verified the absence of thermally unstable additives rather than operational degradation, supporting material homogeneity. Overall, HDPE demonstrated superior stability and durability for banana packaging applications, highlighting the relevance of integrated polymer diagnostics for safe and sustainable postharvest systems. Full article

Banana plantations are important tropical agro-ecosystems, and quantifying their greenhouse gas emissions is essential for developing low-carbon agriculture and mitigating global warming. The carbon balance of two banana cultivars (Musa paradisiaca AA (MA) and M. AAA Cavendish var. Brazil (MB)) was evaluated using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, based on field trials and farmer surveys in Chengmai County, Hainan Province, China. The results indicated that (1) both cultivation systems functioned as net carbon sinks, and the MB cultivar demonstrated a superior carbon balance, with a net sequestration of 21,652.88 kg CO₂ eq·ha⁻¹, significantly higher than the MA cultivar (15,197.96 kg CO₂ eq·ha⁻¹); (2) fertilizer management was the dominant source of anthropogenic emissions, contributing 74.03–81.76% of the carbon footprint from agricultural inputs; and (3) the MB cultivar’s enhanced carbon fixation capacity outweighed its higher emissions, resulting in a more favorable carbon balance than the MA cultivar. Concurrently, the banana plantations significantly increased soil carbon sequestration by 13.47–24.48%. Thus, within the studied system boundary, banana agro-ecosystems serve as net carbon sinks, a function that can be enhanced by optimizing fertilizer management to reduce emissions and by increasing both plant biomass and soil carbon sequestration. These results provide a scientific basis for low-carbon practices and promoting a more sustainable banana industry. Full article

In this work, we fabricated activated carbon using the peel of musa paradisiaca (banana) as the carbonaceous material source. The activated carbon was obtained after applied a carbonization process under nitrogen atmosphere at 723.15 K. The activated carbon was chemically modified using three chemical agents (citric acid, tartaric acid, and EDTA). The surface properties of the materials were characterized by nitrogen sorptometry at 77 K. Furthermore, we determined the zero-load point of all materials. The kinetic and isothermal behavior of the materials to remove methylene blue from aqueous solution was studied. The thermodynamic parameters of the process for all materials were determined by applying the van’t Hoff equation. Results showed that after chemical activation, there was an increase in the content of oxygenated groups onto activated carbon. Furthermore, the BET surface area of activated carbon was reduced from 808 to 724 m² g⁻¹. The volume of micropores was smaller after chemical activation and the volume of mesopores was greater. The zero-load point of materials was in a range between 4.96 and 5.60. Kinetic and isothermal results showed that after chemical modification, the removal capacity increased from 30.2 for activated carbon to 52.6 mg g⁻¹ for activated carbon modified with EDTA. Finally, the thermodynamic parameters showed that methylene blue adsorption using all materials was an endothermic and spontaneous process; the ΔG° value of activated carbon was −4.35 kJ/mol, and the ΔG° value of activated carbon modified with EDTA was −6.28 kJ/mol. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) from oregano (Origanum vulgare), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and basil (Ocimum basilicum) possess antifungal properties. This study aimed to evaluate their ability to inhibit the growth of fungi isolated from the rot of banana peel (Musa paradisiaca) to control or reduce fungal growth in bananas. The methodology involved preparing dilutions of EOs and inoculating them onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium amended with chloramphenicol to prevent bacterial contamination. Fungal species, including Trichoderma spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Fusarium spp., were isolated, purified, and characterized macroscopically and microscopically. Their growth was assessed ex vivo and the inhibition percentage was measured in vitro. The ex vivo analysis revealed that the severity of fungal infection, ranked from highest to lowest, was as follows: Penicillium spp., Trichoderma spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus spp. The results showed that rosemary and basil oils did not inhibit fungal growth, whereas clove oil, cinnamon, and oregano were effective against the four tested fungi at 800, 400, and 200 ppm, respectively. These findings suggest that certain EOs, including clove, cinnamon, and oregano, have strong antifungal potential and could serve as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides in banana postharvest disease management. Full article

The present study investigates the hypothesis that green plantain peel (GPP) could be used as a functional ingredient to enrich fermented milk, thus improving its nutritional profile and bioactive content. The objective of the present study was to develop a fermented milk product with added GPP and to evaluate its physical–chemical, technological, microbiological, and sensory characteristics, as well as the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds after in vitro digestion (INFOGEST). The methodological strategy involved the formulation of four treatments: one control (Fermented Milk Control, FMC) and three with different concentrations of cooked plantain peel (5%—FM5, 10%—FM10, and 20%—FM20). The results demonstrated that the incorporation of peel had a significant impact on the technological properties, resulting in increased syneresis and color change. In contrast, pH and acidity were more influenced by storage duration. Lactic acid bacteria demonstrated viability at probiotic concentrations (≥10⁶ CFU/mL) for a duration of up to 11 days. The incorporation of GPP resulted in a substantial increase in the phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity of the product, with the FM20 treatment showing the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH: 1555 ± 16 µmol TE/mL, ABTS: 576 ± 29 µmol TE/mL, FRAP: 2427 ± 58 µmol Fe²⁺/mL) compared to FMC. Sensory analysis revealed that texture and color were the most influential attributes, with formulations FM5 and FM10 being the most accepted, as indicated by an acceptability index above 82%. The simulated in vitro digestion led to an increase in the measurable phenolic content and a corresponding enhancement of antioxidant activity. This suggests that the digestive process enhances the release of these compounds from the food matrix, thereby increasing their bioaccessibility. Full article

Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is a climacteric fruit with high endogenous ethylene production, which accelerates ripening and limits shelf life, especially during transport and exportation, leading to significant losses for producers and distributors. This study evaluated the effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and zeatin (Zea) on delaying the ripening of Hartón plantains grown in Colombia. The goal was to assess whether these plant regulators could delay physicochemical changes under simulated cold chain conditions. A completely randomized design was used with nine treatments, plus a control, each with five replicates. Fruits were stored at 11 ± 2 °C and 75% relative humidity for 25 days. Pulp firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, starch, chlorophyll, carotenoids, total polyphenols, and polyphenol oxidase activity were assessed. The combination of GA₃ + Zea was effective in preserving firmness, maintaining starch and chlorophyll content, and limiting increases in soluble solids and polyphenol oxidase activity associated with senescence. This delayed ripening did not affect structural integrity or caused oxidative stress. Combined application of GA₃ and Zea is a low-cost and effective strategy to extend the shelf life of plantains for export, benefiting the tropical agri-food chain. This approach offers a practical alternative for maintaining fruit quality without the need for costly preservation technologies. Full article

Functional foods are gaining heightened popularity in diet modifications. Green bananas contain a significant quantity of resistant starch, dietary fibre, and phytochemicals that demonstrate strong antioxidant properties, particularly due to the high concentration of polyphenols. The community demand for incorporating these essential components into food products, such as bread, has increased. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the content and bio-accessibility of phenolic compounds in bread enriched with 5, 10, and 15% of Australian green banana powder (GBF) from (Cavendish “Musa acuminata”, Ladyfinger “Musa paradisiaca L.”, and Ducasse “Musa balbisiana”), as well as their antioxidant capabilities and the generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation. The 15% Cavendish bread exhibited significant TPC and TFC at 1.31 mg GAE/g and 0.05 mg QE/g, respectively, along with substantial antioxidant activity (DPPH, 0.40 mg TE/g), observed following stomach and intestinal phases. However, the 15% Ladyfinger bread exhibited the highest TTC following the stomach digestion, with 17.4 mg CE/g. The bio-accessibility of most phenolic components from 10% GBF-bread was elevated following the gastric and intestinal phases. Nonetheless, a substantial total phenolic content (50.3% in Ladyfinger bread) was still observable in the residue during colonic fermentation. The highest SCFAs production occurred in Cavendish and Ducasse bread after 24 h of fermentation. Overall, the consumption of GBF bread can positively influence intestinal health and provide antioxidant properties, facilitating future advancements in the creation of nutrient-dense and health-enhancing bakery products. Full article

This paper presents a dataset for a comparative analysis of direct (spectrophotometric) and indirect (multispectral imagery-based) methods for quantifying crop leaf chlorophyll content. The dataset originates from a study conducted in the Department of Cauca, Colombia, a region characterized by diverse agricultural production. Data collection focused on seven economically important crops, namely coffee (Coffea arabica), Hass avocado (Persea americana), potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), corn (Zea mays) and banana (Musa paradisiaca). Sampling was conducted across various locations and phenological stages (healthy, wilted, senescent), with each leaf subdivided into six sections (A–F) to facilitate the analysis of intra-leaf chlorophyll distribution. Direct measurements of leaf chlorophyll content were obtained by laboratory spectrophotometry following the method of Jeffrey and Humphrey, allowing for the determination of chlorophyll A and B content. Simultaneously, indirect estimates of leaf chlorophyll content were obtained from multispectral images captured at the leaf level using a MicaSense Red-Edge camera under controlled illumination. A set of 32 vegetation indices was then calculated from these multispectral images using MATLAB. Both direct and indirect methods were applied to the same leaf samples to allow for direct comparison. The dataset, provided as an Excel (.xlsx) file, comprises raw data covering laboratory-measured chlorophyll A and B content and calculated values for the 32 vegetation indices. Each row of the tabular dataset represents an individual leaf sample, identified by plant species, leaf identifier, and phenological stage. The resulting dataset, containing 16,660 records, is structured to support research evaluating the direct relationship between spectrophotometric measurements and multispectral image-based vegetation indices for estimating leaf chlorophyll content. Spearman’s correlation coefficient reveals significant positive relationships between leaf chlorophyll content and several vegetation indices, highlighting its potential for a nondestructive assessment of this pigment. Therefore, this dataset offers significant potential for researchers in remote sensing, precision agriculture, and plant physiology to assess the accuracy and reliability of various vegetation indices in diverse crops and conditions, develop and refine chlorophyll estimation models, and execute meta-analyses or comparative studies on leaf chlorophyll quantification methodologies. Full article

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) is among Ecuador’s most important export commodities, globally recognized for its high nutritional value. To extend shelf life and reduce physiological and microbiological deterioration, bananas are typically harvested at the green stage and stored under controlled conditions using plastic packaging. This study evaluated the combined effect of an antifungal coating based on cinnamon essential oil and polyethylene bags of different densities (LDPE and HDPE) over a 28-day storage period. Eight treatments were tested, including various coating–packaging combinations from three producers, as well as plastic-only and unpackaged controls. Physicochemical results showed that the antifungal coating combined with LDPE significantly reduced weight loss, peel and length shrinkage, and firmness decline. Color retention (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*) and soluble solids were better preserved in samples coated with antifungal agent. Sensory evaluation revealed the highest acceptance scores for coated and packaged fruit. Microbiological analyses confirmed that coated bananas had the lowest counts of mesophilic aerobes and yeasts and molds, while total coliforms remained below detection limits in all treatments. These results highlight the effectiveness of integrating antifungal coatings with polyethylene packaging to enhance banana quality during postharvest storage. Full article

This study evaluated the antifungal potential of essential oils (EOs): oregano (Origanum vulgare), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and basil (Ocimum basilicum). These oils were tested against fungi isolated from banana peels (Musa paradisiaca). The fungi tested were identified through macroscopic and microscopic analyses and DNA sequencing, after being isolated in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium modified with 0.05% chloramphenicol. Subsequently, the antifungal properties of the tested essential oils were evaluated in vitro at concentrations of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm prepared in a 0.05% Tween 80 solution. Cinnamon EOs showed the highest antifungal activity, significantly inhibiting the growth of pathogens at a concentration of 400 ppm. Other EOs showed moderate effects at higher concentrations: rosemary inhibited fungal growth at 600 ppm, oregano at 800 ppm, and clove at 1000 ppm. These findings highlight the potential of EOs as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices and the post-harvest management of bananas. It is recommended to conduct future research to assess the economic viability and practical impacts of large-scale applications. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are widely recognized for their antifungal properties, but their efficacy against specific phytopathogenic fungi associated with banana (Musa paradisiaca) rot remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of EOs from Origanum vulgare, Salvia rosmarinus, Syzygium aromaticum, Thymus vulgaris, Cinnamomum verum, and Ocimum basilicum against five fungal species isolated from infected banana peels. Fungal isolates were obtained using PDA medium supplemented with chloramphenicol and were purified by weekly subculturing. Morphological and microscopic characterization was complemented by molecular identification based on ITS sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction using Neighbor-Joining and UPGMA methods in MEGA v11. In vitro and ex vivo antifungal assays were performed at EO concentrations ranging from 200 to 1000 ppm. Thyme oil exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect, with complete growth suppression at 1000 ppm. Cinnamon and oregano also demonstrated effective inhibition at 600 ppm, while clove, rosemary, and basil were markedly less effective. Statistical analysis confirmed significant effects of EO type and concentration on fungal growth (p < 0.001). Molecular results showed strong phylogenetic support for isolate identification, with bootstrap values above 93% in most clades. These findings support the selective use of specific EOs as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the postharvest management of banana diseases and provide a molecularly supported basis for their targeted application in integrated control strategies. Full article

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) is a climacteric fruit with high postharvest perishability, limiting its export potential. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a natural protein–polysaccharide edible coating—comprising whey, agar, cassava starch, and glycerol—on maintaining the physicochemical quality of green bananas during 28 days of refrigerated storage (13 °C, 95% RH). Seven formulations were tested, including an uncoated control. Physicochemical parameters such as weight loss, firmness, fruit dimensions, peel color, titratable acidity, pH, and soluble solids (°Brix) were systematically monitored. Significant differences were observed among treatments (ANOVA, p < 0.001). The most effective coating (T5), composed of 16.7% whey, 16.7% agar, 33.3% cassava starch, and 33.3% glycerol (based on 30 g/L solids), reduced weight loss by 58.8%, improved firmness retention by 48.4%, and limited sugar accumulation by 17.0% compared to the control. It also stabilized pH and acidity, preserved peel thickness and color parameters (L*, a*, b*), and delayed ripening. These findings confirm the coating’s capacity to form a cohesive semipermeable barrier that modulates moisture loss and respiration, making it a functional and sustainable alternative for extending banana shelf life in tropical supply chains. Full article

The genus Musa L. is one of the most important genera worldwide due to its use in food as a source of carbohydrates. A morphological characterization was performed to evaluate the potential of 100 accessions of Musa spp. from the Amazon region of Ecuador, applying 73 qualitative and quantitative descriptors in addition to the ecogeographic characterization. The multivariate analyses identified four large groups: The first is composed of the Musa AAB Simmonds ecotype “Hartón Plantain” and the “Cuerno Clone”. The second group is composed of the Musa acuminata Colla ecotype “Orito”. The third group is composed of the Musa acuminata ecotype “Malay plantain or red plantain”; and the fourth group is composed of the Musa × paradisiaca L. AAB ecotype “Barraganete” and banana or banana materials and the Musa AAB Simmonds ecotype “Plátano Dominico”. The qualitative descriptors with the highest discriminant value were the shape of the ♂ floret bud, the appearance of the rachis, and the pigmentation of the compound tepal, and the quantitative discriminant characters were the height of the pseudostem, the length of the leaf blade, the width of the leaf blade, and the weight of the raceme. The analysis with CAPFITOGEN of these 100 accessions through the ecogeographic characterization map identified 23 categories, highlighting category 20 with a coverage of 40.35%, which mainly includes the provinces of Orellana, Sucumbíos, part of Napo, Pastaza, and Morona Santiago. This category occurs within an annual temperature range between 21.6 °C and 27 °C, an apparent density of 1.25 to 1.44 g cm⁻³, and a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 4 to 29 Cmol kg⁻¹. The morphological characterization of 100 Musa accessions revealed significant phenotypic variability, with four distinct morphological groups identified through cluster analysis. Key differences were observed in traits such as bunch weight, fruit length, and vegetative vigor. This variability highlights the potential of certain accessions for use in genetic improvement programs. The findings contribute valuable information for the efficient conservation, selection, and utilization of the Musa germplasm in Ecuadorian agroecosystems. The results demonstrate the existence of an important genetic variability in the INIAP Musa Germplasm Bank in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. Full article