In previous work Texas State University team members discovered a self-assembling nanocomposite formed between polyvinylpyrrolidone and montmorillonite clay that exhibits high gas barrier properties. This self assembling phenomena has been extended to other polymers including polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, and gum Arabic. It has additionally been demonstrated that coating fruits and vegetables with this self-assembling system extends the shelf life three fold ( figure 1). It appears that the shelf life extension is due to two factors. First the coating slows the egress of water and secondly the ingress of oxygen is drastically reduced. A patent has been applied for on this technology.
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Texas State University, San Marcos-Research Triangle MRSEC
The Mission of the Texas State University PREM Center on Interfaces in Materials is to increase participation by underrepresented groups in materials research. The Texas State PREM engages a strong regional demographic by the integration of discovery research into education/outreach activities.