This work aims to study the effect of nanoemulsion-based edible coatings with lemongrass essential oil
(LEO) at several concentrations (0.1, 0.5 or 1% v/v) on the safety and quality parameters of fresh-cut Fuji
apples along storage time. Comparison between nanoemulsion-based coatings and coatings obtained
from conventional emulsions is also provided. Edible coatings with LEO droplets in the nano range
exhibited a faster and greater inactivation of Escherichia coli during storage time compared with
conventional emulsions. Also, nanoemulsion-based edible coatings with LEO at 0.5% or 1% (v/v)
completely inhibited the natural microflora of fresh-cut Fuji apples during 2 weeks and it was
significantly slowed down with LEO at 0.1% (v/v). The droplet size of emulsions incorporated in edible
coatings did not have a significant influence on the quality parameters during storage time. High LEO
concentration led to reduced respiration rates and ethylene production. Significant browning was
observed during storage time on fruits coated with high LEO concentrations (0.5 or 1% v/v), but not on
those coated with 0.1% (v/v) of oil. Flesh
firmness was maintained practically constant during storage
time regardless the coating applied. These results contribute to evidence the potential benefits of
incorporating nanoemulsions as delivery systems of antimicrobial compounds in edible coatings for
minimally processed fruit.