Edible coating to increase shelf life

Why in news?

A team of researchers have developed an edible material that can extend the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables.

Features of the new edible coating

1. The coating was created using a mixture of two substances: micro-algae extract and polysaccharides.
2. The marine microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta is the source of algal extract.

Significance

1. The coating is non-toxic.
2. It has excellent UV-Vis light-blocking properties.
3. The material can be either be directly coated on the vegetables and fruits or made into a vegetable storage pouch.
4. It can help preserve vegetables and fruits for as long as two months.