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Postcosecha
ISSN: 1665-0204
rebasa@hmo.megared.net.mx
Asociación Iberoamericana de Tecnología
Postcosecha, S.C.
México
Bautista-Baños, S.; Hernández-Lauzardo, A. N.; Velázquez del Valle, M. G.; Bosquez-Molina, Elsa;
Sánchez-Domínguez, D.
Quitosano: Una alternativa natural para reducir microorganismos postcosecha y mantener la vida de
anaquel de productos hortofrutícolas
Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, vol. 7, núm. 1, julio, 2005, pp. 1-6
Asociación Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, S.C.
Hermosillo, México
Palabras clave: Quitosano, Botrytis cinerea, Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria alternata y Penicillium expansum
RESUMEN
El quitosano, derivado de la quitina, es un producto natural que se obtiene de crustáceos principalmente. El
uso del quitosano en frutas u hortalizas reduce el desarrollo de pudriciones durante el almacenamiento
causadas por Botrytis cinerea, Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria alternata y Penicillium expansum entre otras. Por
otro lado, al formar una película semipermeable, el quitosano ocasiona cambios físico-químicos favorables en
el metabolismo de las frutas u hortalizas alargando su vida de anaquel. En general, la síntesis de CO2, etileno
y la pérdida de agua se reducen. Otros cambios en el producto tratado con quitosano como retraso en la
pérdida de firmeza e incremento en el contenido de sólidos solubles totales (SST) también se manifiestan. El
quitosano al ser un producto biodegradable y no tóxico ayudaría a las necesidades de alcanzar una agricultura
sustentable.
ABSTRACT
Chitosan, a chitin derivative is a natural product obtained mainly from crustaceous. The use of chitosan of
stored fruits and vegetables reduces rot development originated by Botrytis cinerea, Rhizopus stolonifer,
Alternaria alternata y Penicillium expansum among others. Furthermore, the semipermeable characteristic of
chitosan originates favourable physico-chemical changes on fruits and vegetables metabolism, extending their
storage life. In general, synthesis of CO2, ethylene and, loss of water is reduced. In addition, changes of the
treated-chitosan product such as delay of firmness loss and higher total solid solubles (SST) are exhibited as
well. As a biodegradable product, chitosan might achieve the needs for a sustainable agriculture.
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Quitosano: Una Alternativa para… S. Bautista-Baños y Cols. (2005)
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Quitosano: Una Alternativa para… S. Bautista-Baños y Cols. (2005)
Cuadro 1. Efecto del quitosano en la maduración y calidad de varios productos hortofrutícolas en comparación
con los no tratados, al final del período de almacenamiento.
hortofrutíco
de azúcares
Antocianina
Maduración
Vitamina C
Pérdida de
Contenido
Producto
titulable
solubles
Firmeza
Sólidos
totales
Fuente
Acidez
Color
peso
la
Plátano Reducción - más bajo más bajo mayor más baja - - - Kittur et al.,
de CO2 2001