Application of SiO _x -coated poly ( ε -caprolactone) film for preservation of cherry tomato

The poly( ε-caprolactone)/silicon oxide (PCL/SiO _x )-coated film was prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of SiO _x . The result showed that the PCL/SiO _x film presented increased elongation at break and appropriate gas permeability and CO ₂ /O ₂ permselectivity. The PCL/SiO _x film was further used for window packing container of equilibrium-modified atmosphere packaging of fresh cherry tomato. The gas composition within containers depended on the permeability of PCL/SiO _x film and respiration of cherry tomato, which finally reached steady states that 4–6% CO ₂ and 11–13% O ₂ at room temperature and 2–3% CO ₂ and 17–19% O ₂ at 5°C, respectively. High sensory score, firmness, soluble solid concentration, ascorbic acid content, lower weight loss, and retarded respiration climacteric could be found for the cherry tomato packaged by PCL/SiO _x film, indicating that delayed ripening, higher nutrient content, and extended shelf life were achieved.