Controlled release of methyl salicylate by biosorbents delays the ripening of banana fruit

Abstract

The efficiencies of rice flour (RF) and rice husk (RH) as agents of the controlled release of methyl salicylate (RF-MeSA and RH-MeSA, respectively) were investigated. The adsorption percentage of RH-MeSA was significantly higher (two-fold) than that of RF-MeSA owing to its higher specific surface area and total pore volume. However, both materials are classified as mesoporous materials. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that MeSA diffused toward the pores and covered the surfaces of RF and RH. A temperature increase from 25 °C to 40 °C and an increase in relative humidity from 75% to 95% stimulated the release of MeSA. The kinetically controlled release of RF-MeSA and RH-MeSA was in line with a Fickian diffusion mechanism. Both RF-MeSA and RH-MeSA significantly delayed the ripening of banana fruit compared to the control. The results indicate that RF and RH can be used as biosorbent materials for the adsorption and controlled release of MeSA without chemical and mechanical modification.