Mango Ripening Control via 1-MCP and Modified Atmosphere Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mangoes ripen slowly during long-distance shipment and often become over-ripe due to inadequate methods for maintaining their desirable condition, leading to undesirable softening of the pulp.
Innovation Solution
Exposing mangoes to a cyclopropene compound within a modified-atmosphere package (MAP) using a perforated polymeric film, which can be done before or after packaging, to extend the ripening period and maintain pulp firmness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If mangoes are shipped at low temperature to extend storage duration, then the shipment time can be extended, but the mangoes ripen very slowly and remain green, failing to reach desirable ripening condition
Solution Approach 1:
The mangoes are treated with 1-MCP before shipment to preemptively block ethylene receptors, preventing premature ripening during low-temperature storage. This preliminary action allows the fruit to maintain green color and firmness throughout shipping while remaining physiologically mature and capable of normal ripening after arrival.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameter by introducing 1-MCP, a cyclopropene compound that binds to ethylene receptors. This chemical modification alters the mangoes' response to ethylene, allowing them to withstand low-temperature storage without undergoing unwanted ripening changes, thus decoupling storage duration from ripening progress.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mangoes are allowed to ripen at room temperature after arrival, then they develop desirable flavor and color, but they quickly become over-ripe with soft pulp
Solution Approach 1:
By applying 1-MCP treatment before or during storage, the mangoes are pre-prepared to control their ripening response. This preliminary action delays the onset of ripening until after arrival, allowing the fruit to be shipped in a dormant state and then ripen uniformly and controllably at destination, extending the time they remain in desirable condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The 1-MCP treatment provides continuous protection against unwanted ripening throughout the entire storage and shipping period. This continuous action maintains the mangoes in a stable, pre-ripened state without interruption, allowing them to transition smoothly to desirable ripening condition after arrival and remain there longer without becoming over-ripe.
3Speed
If ethylene gas is used to hasten ripening, then the ripening speed increases, but the mangoes become over-ripe too quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The 1-MCP treatment is applied in advance to block ethylene receptors, preventing the harmful effects of ethylene exposure during storage. This preliminary blocking action allows ethylene to be used later for controlled ripening acceleration without causing over-ripening, as the receptors are temporarily desensitized and then gradually become responsive again in a controlled manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new chemical parameter (1-MCP concentration and exposure time) that modifies the mangoes' ethylene sensitivity. This parameter change allows for decoupling of ripening speed control from ethylene exposure, enabling safe and controlled use of ethylene to accelerate ripening without the risk of rapid over-ripening that would otherwise occur.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively prolongs the desirable ripening period of mangoes, keeping them firmer for a longer time, as demonstrated by improved pulp firmness results in combination with 1-MCP treatment and MAP usage.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the mangoes to an atmosphere that contains one or more cyclopropene compounds
Implementation Method 2
containing the mangoes in a modified-atmosphere package
Data Source
AI summary
A method of handling mangoes includes exposing the mangoes to an atmosphere that contains one or more cyclopropene compounds, and containing the mangoes in a modified-atmosphere package. The method provides an unexpected improvement in maintaining the optimum ripeness of the mangoes over what would be expected based upon the effects observed when either exposing the mangoes to the cyclopropene compound or containing the mangoes in a modified-atmosphere package in the absence of the other.