Ethylene is a plant hormone regulator that stimulates chlorophyll loss and promotes softening and aging, resulting in a deterioration and reduction in the post-harvest life of fruit. Commercial activated carbons have been used as ethylene scavengers during the storage and transportation of a great variety of agricultural commodities. In this work, the effect of the incorporation of copper oxide over activated carbons obtained from baru waste was assessed. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption-desorption at −196 °C, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the amount of ethylene removed using activated carbon obtained from baru waste and impregnated with copper oxide (1667 μg g⁻¹) was significantly increased in comparison to the raw activated carbon (1111 μg g⁻¹). In addition, carbon impregnated with copper oxide exhibited better adsorption performance at a low ethylene concentration. Activated carbons produced from baru waste are promising candidates to be used as adsorbents in the elimination of ethylene during the storage and transportation of agricultural commodities at a lower cost.

The use of biofortified raw materials and plant-derived bioactive compounds is a promising strategy for increasing nutritional value and meeting the demand for natural and sustainable products. In this study, two biofortified rice-based beverages (CT variety and FL line) were developed and enriched with natural β-carotene extract from carrots. The formulations were evaluated for nutritional composition, physicochemical characteristics, volatile compounds, and microbiological safety, with statistical comparisons performed using Student’s t test (p ≤ 0.05). The control beverages were assessed exclusively for antioxidant activity. The beverages had higher levels of minerals, such as zinc, compared to similar products. The addition of the extract increased antioxidant activity. Volatile compounds revealed fruity notes, and microbiological safety was confirmed. The results highlight the potential of combining biofortified rice and carrots in the development of nutritious plant-based beverages.

Banana is an agricultural commodity cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions with consumption demand worldwide. During the ripening process, several biochemical reactions occur that are linked to the production of ethylene, which determines the shelf life and quality of the fruit. Ethylene can promote excessive ripening and decay of fruits and vegetables, even at very low concentrations. Therefore, an ethylene control strategy needs to be developed to address this challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of using activated carbon from baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) waste, impregnated with copper oxide, as potentially efficient materials for eliminating ethylene and maintaining postharvest quality of bananas. The developed adsorbent materials showed high ethylene adsorption capacity, validating their potential application in real storage conditions for climacteric fruits. The evaluation of quality attributes, like color, firmness, weight loss, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and total soluble solids/total titratable acidity ratio, confirmed the effectiveness of activated carbon and activated carbon impregnated with copper oxide in delaying the ripening and senescence process compared to bananas in the control group. The results of this study contribute to the development of ethylene adsorbent materials that combine sustainability and efficiency, with promising applications in the food industry to reduce postharvest losses.