Catalyzed carbon dioxide organic release system for preventing spoilage in postharvest crops and related methods
OwnerCarlos Crisosto, Gayle Crisosto +1inventors
InventorsCarlos Crisosto, Gayle Crisosto, Curtis Granger
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Abstract
A moisture-activated carbon dioxide (CO2) release system is disclosed for postharvest preservation of fruits, vegetables, and other fresh plant products. The system comprises a composition including sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and citric acid that, upon exposure to humidity, rapidly generates CO2 gas to suppress fungal growth. Various deployment systems enable immediate or sustained release based on packaging conditions and crop type. The system provides a safer alternative to traditional fumigation, and provides improved decay control and extended shelf life.
Claims20
A system for deploying a carbon dioxide (CO2)-generating composition in harvesting containers, storage containers, and shipping containers, comprising:
- a. a composition comprising sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and citric acid in a ratio of about 7 parts SBC to about 5 parts citric acid, said composition being configured to react upon exposure to moisture to release CO2 gas;
- and
- b. a deployment mechanism that houses or incorporates the composition and is configured to be placed in a transport container for freshly harvested whole produce, wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to allow the release of CO2 gas within the transport container to prevent fungal growth, wherein said citric acid accelerates the rate of CO2 production by a factor of at least two within one hour of deployment in said transport container.
A system for deploying a carbon dioxide (CO2)-generating composition in harvesting containers, storage containers, and shipping containers, comprising:
- a. a composition comprising sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and citric acid in a ratio of about 7 parts SBC to about 5 parts citric acid, said composition being configured to react upon exposure to moisture to release CO2 gas at an accelerated rate;
- and
- b. a deployment mechanism that houses or incorporates the composition and is configured to be placed in a transport container for freshly harvested whole produce, wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to allow the release of CO2 gas within the transport container to prevent fungal growth, wherein said citric acid accelerates the rate of CO2 production by a factor of at least two within said transport container.
A system for deploying a carbon dioxide (CO2)-generating composition in harvesting containers, storage containers, and shipping containers, comprising:
- a. a composition comprising sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and citric acid in a ratio of about 7 parts SBC to about 5 parts citric acid, said composition being configured to react upon exposure to moisture to release CO2 gas at an accelerated rate;
- and
- b. a deployment mechanism that houses or incorporates the composition and is operable to be placed in a transport container for freshly harvested whole produce, wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to allow the release of CO2 gas within the transport container to prevent fungal growth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.