Eco-Friendly Natamycin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Show Promise for Post-Harvest Fungal Control

Researchers develop an eco-friendly nanobiotechnological approach to combat post-harvest fungal infections in fruits and vegetables.

A new study published in 3 Biotech (2025) by Azime Erarslan, Anıl Tevfik Koçer, Ozan Barış Kurtur, and Yasemin Budama-Kilinc presents the successful development and characterization of natamycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Nat-Chi-NPs) for post-harvest fungal control.

The nanoparticles were synthesized via the ionic gelation method and analyzed using various spectroscopic and physicochemical techniques. The Nat-Chi-NPs demonstrated an average particle size of 52.40 nm, a zeta potential of +13.8 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 53.46%, confirming stable nanoparticle formation. FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy verified the successful encapsulation of natamycin within the chitosan matrix.

The release study showed a biphasic pattern, achieving a cumulative release of 98.82% over 144 hours, indicating sustained antifungal activity.
In in vitro antifungal assays, Nat-Chi-NPs inhibited the mycelial growth of Aspergillus niger and Botrytis cinerea by 29.51% and 24.79%, respectively.
In situ experiments on apple wounds revealed a 24–30% reduction in fungal growth at a 20 mg/L concentration, maintaining protection for up to five days.

According to the authors, these results demonstrate the potential of Nat-Chi-NPs as an effective and environmentally friendly nanobiotechnological system for reducing post-harvest fungal infections and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

Reference

Erarslan, A., Koçer, A. T., Kurtur, O. B., & Budama-Kilinc, Y. (2025). An experimental study of the investigation of post-harvest fungal control potential of natamycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and antifungal activity analyses. 3 Biotech, 15(11), 382. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-025-04538-5