Effect of diatomite and KMnO4-impregnated diatomite in LDPE films on ethylene removal and postharvest quality of bananas.

This study developed ethylene-scavenging films by incorporating potassium permanganate (KMnO4)-impregnated diatomite into a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix. Various additives, including raw, alkaline-activated, and KMnO4-impregnated diatomite (DA-KMnO4 and Alk-DA-KMnO4), were incorporated into the films and tested. The additives did not improve mechanical or gas-barrier properties; however, they significantly enhanced thermal stability, crystallinity, and ethylene-removal capacity. The highest ethylene-removal capacities were achieved by the 1% DA/LDPE and 1% Alk-DA-KMnO4/LDPE films, which exhibited capacities of 296.58 ± 2.07 μL/g, and 373.22 ± 13.83 μL/g, respectively. Practical storage trials using bananas, a climacteric fruit, demonstrated the efficacy of films. Bananas stored in neat LDPE ripened within 6 days, whereas those in 1% DA/LDPE films stayed green and fresh for up to 10 days, while those in 1% Alk-DA-KMnO4/LDPE turned green-yellow after 9 days. Ultimately, these KMnO4-based diatomite-LDPE films offer a viable solution for delaying ripening, maintaining firmness, and extending the shelf life of fresh produce.