Recent Advances in Silk Sericin-derived Bio-polymeric Coatings for Sustainable Fruit Preservation

The increasing demand for fresh fruits and the significant challenges associated with postharvest losses have accelerate the needs for development of sustainable preservation strategies, silk sericin, is a hydrophilic protein derived from a by-product generated from the silk industry, which emerged as a promising bio-polymeric material for fruit preservation. This review provides a critical analysis of recent advances in sericin-based coatings focusing on their structural characteristics, functional properties, and underlying preservation mechanisms Sericin exhibits inherent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and film-forming properties, enabling effective regulation of gas exchange, reduction of microbial spoilage, and delay in oxidative degradation rate in fruits. Recent innovations include the development of composite and nano-structured systems incorporating with polysaccharides, bioactive compounds, and nanoparticles, which enhance mechanical strength, barrier performance, and multifunctionality. Despite these advancements, several limitations persist, including poor water vapor resistance, variability in extraction methods, and challenges related to scalability and standardization. Additionally, safety and regulatory concerns, particularly for nanocomposite systems, remain critical barriers to commercialization. The current literature is also constrained by limited real-world validation and a lack of standardized evaluation protocols. This review identifies the key research gaps like economic and scalability assessments, shelf-life modelling and consumer acceptance studies and emphasizes the need for green extraction technologies, mechanistic understanding, and application-driven studies. Overall, sericin-based coatings represent a sustainable and versatile solution for next-generation fruit preservation technologies.