Felipe Salcedo

Growing concerns about ocean contamination from fossil fuel based polymers have created a demand for biodegradable alternatives, particularly for packaging applications. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is a promising, eco-friendly biopolymer but has poor mechanical properties and high hydrophilicity. To address these issues, this article explores modifying starches through reactive extrusion and ble...

Crown rot is a severe postharvest disease affecting tropical and subtropical fruits like mango, avocado, papaya, and banana. It is caused by fungal pathogens that penetrate the fruit, reducing its pulp and leading to premature ripening. Systemic fungicides have been used to control these fungi, typically applied to seeds, leaves, or fruits to prevent disease spread. However, traditional fungici...