Catalyzed carbon dioxide organic release system for preventing spoilage in postharvest crops and related methods
A moisture-activated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) release system is disclosed for postharvest preservation of fruits, vegetables, and other fresh plant products. The system comprises a composition including sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and citric acid that, upon exposure to humidity, rapidly generates CO 2 gas to suppress fungal growth. Various deployment systems enable immediate or sustained release based on packaging conditions and crop type. The system provides a safer alternative to traditional fumigation, and provides improved decay control and extended shelf life.
1 . A system for deploying a carbon dioxide (CO 2 )-generating composition in harvesting containers, storage containers, and shipping containers, comprising:
a. a composition comprising sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and citric acid in a ratio of about 7 parts SBC to about 5 parts citric acid, said composition being configured to react upon exposure to moisture to release CO 2 gas; and
b. a deployment mechanism that houses or incorporates the composition and is configured to be placed in a transport container for freshly harvested whole produce, wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to allow the release of CO 2 gas within the transport container to prevent fungal growth, wherein said citric acid accelerates the rate of CO 2 production by a factor of at least two within one hour of deployment in said transport container.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a sachet containing a measured amount of the composition enclosed in a moisture-permeable material.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a sheet or pad impregnated with the composition and enclosed within a composite material consisting of plastic and paper.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a microencapsulated formulation embedded within a moisture-sensitive coating selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, alginate, or starch-based materials.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a box liner label, wherein the composition is incorporated into an adhesive-backed or non-adhesive liner positioned inside the shipping container.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to maintain a CO 2 concentration of 50,000-400,000 ppm within the shipping container for at least four weeks.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployment mechanism includes a moisture-activated release barrier to prevent premature activation.
8 . A system for deploying a carbon dioxide (CO 2 )-generating composition in harvesting containers, storage containers, and shipping containers, comprising:
a. a composition comprising sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and citric acid in a ratio of about 7 parts SBC to about 5 parts citric acid, said composition being configured to react upon exposure to moisture to release CO 2 gas at an accelerated rate; and
b. a deployment mechanism that houses or incorporates the composition and is configured to be placed in a transport container for freshly harvested whole produce, wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to allow the release of CO 2 gas within the transport container to prevent fungal growth, wherein said citric acid accelerates the rate of CO 2 production by a factor of at least two within said transport container.
9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a sachet containing a measured amount of the composition enclosed in a moisture-permeable material.
10 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a sheet or pad impregnated with the composition and enclosed within a composite material consisting of plastic and paper.
11 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a microencapsulated formulation embedded within a moisture-sensitive coating selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, alginate, or starch-based materials.
12 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a sprayable dispersion, wherein the composition is suspended in a sprayable carrier, wherein the sprayable carrier is selected from paraffin wax, carnauba wax, lecithin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or alginate hydrogel.
13 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to maintain a CO 2 concentration of 50,000-400,000 ppm within the shipping container for at least four weeks.
14 . A system for deploying a carbon dioxide (CO 2 )-generating composition in harvesting containers, storage containers, and shipping containers, comprising:
a. a composition comprising sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and citric acid in a ratio of about 7 parts SBC to about 5 parts citric acid, said composition being configured to react upon exposure to moisture to release CO 2 gas at an accelerated rate; and
b. a deployment mechanism that houses or incorporates the composition and is operable to be placed in a transport container for freshly harvested whole produce, wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to allow the release of CO 2 gas within the transport container to prevent fungal growth.
15 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to maintain a CO 2 concentration of 50,000-400,000 ppm within the shipping container for at least four weeks.
16 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a sachet containing a measured amount of the composition enclosed in a moisture-permeable material.
17 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a sheet or pad impregnated with the composition and enclosed within a composite material consisting of plastic and paper.
18 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a microencapsulated formulation embedded within a moisture-sensitive coating selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, alginate, or starch-based materials.
19 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the freshly harvested whole produce is grapes, and the CO 2 production improves rachis score in the grapes.
20 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the freshly harvested whole produce is grapes, and the CO 2 production reduces gray mold incidence in the grapes by at least 75%.