Edible CBD Coating Could Extend Shelf Life of Strawberries

Edible CBD Coating May Extend Strawberry Shelf Life Researchers reporting in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces incorporated cannabidiol, a non-hallucinogenic compound derived from hemp known as CBD, and sodium alginate into an edible antimicrobial coating to extend the shelf life of strawberries and related fruits. The researchers encapsulated CBD within poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), a biodegradable polymer used in drug delivery that produces particles 400 nm in width. They mixed the most stable nanoparticles containing 20% CBD with sodium alginate in water. Strawberries were then dipped in solutions containing varying amounts of nanoparticles before a second dipping in a mixture of ascorbic acid and calcium chloride to convert the colorless coating into a gel. The coating containing the highest-loaded CBD nanoparticles preserved the fruits' deep red appearance, maximized antioxidant activity, and provided the greatest antimicrobial protection over the storage period; therefore, this version is expected to result in the longest shelf life. The researchers say the results demonstrate how encapsulated CBD can be used to create a transparent antimicrobial coating for active food packaging.   Academic Reference Pongpat Sukhavattanakul et al, Influence of a Transparent and Edible Coating of Encapsulated Cannabidiol Nanoparticles on the Quality and Shelf Life of Strawberries, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c04036 Source