Sustainable Goat Skin Gelatin-Based Edible Coatings Incorporated with Konjac Glucomannan: Physicochemical Properties and Preservation Efficacy on Strawberries

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of edible coatings made from goat skin gelatin, with and without konjac glucomannan, for preserving strawberries at room temperature. Three groups were analyzed: a control group (EKG1), a gelatin coating group (EKG2), and a gelatin with konjac glucomannan group (EKG3). The addition of konjac glucomannan increased coating viscosity and thickness. While EKG3 initially raised total soluble solids, this difference disappeared by day 3. Both gelatin-based coatings maintained pH levels and showed no significant firmness difference between EKG2 and EKG3. The coatings effectively slowed color changes and pigment oxidation because they limited oxygen exposure. Weight loss was similar for EKG2 and EKG3, but EKG3 better preserved ascorbic acid on day 12. These results suggest that natural coatings can effectively reduce fruit spoilage, supporting sustainable food packaging and circular economy principles because they extend shelf life while being environmentally friendly.