Application of SiOx-coated poly (ε-caprolactone) film for preservation of cherry tomato

Abstract

The poly( ε-caprolactone)/silicon oxide (PCL/SiO x)-coated film was prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of SiO x. The result showed that the PCL/SiO x film presented increased elongation at break and appropriate gas permeability and CO2/O2 permselectivity. The PCL/SiO x film was further used for window packing container of equilibrium-modified atmosphere packaging of fresh cherry tomato. The gas composition within containers depended on the permeability of PCL/SiO x film and respiration of cherry tomato, which finally reached steady states that 4–6% CO2 and 11–13% O2 at room temperature and 2–3% CO2 and 17–19% O2 at 5°C, respectively. High sensory score, firmness, soluble solid concentration, ascorbic acid content, lower weight loss, and retarded respiration climacteric could be found for the cherry tomato packaged by PCL/SiO x film, indicating that delayed ripening, higher nutrient content, and extended shelf life were achieved.