An insoluble protein found within silk, called fibroin, is able to stabilise and protect other materials. An invisible coating of silk solution has the potential to keep fruit fresh for up to a week without any refrigeration.
Researchers dipped freshly picked strawberries into a solution of 1% silk fibroin protein, then treated it with water vapour in a vacuum.
The strawberries were then stored at room temperature for a week, after which they were still juicy and firm.
Meanwhile, a control portion of uncoated strawberries had become dehydrated and discoloured.
Scientists from Tufts University said that the silk coating prolonged the fruit's freshness by slowing its respiration.
Study author Fiorenzo Omenetto said: 'The beta-sheet content of the edible silk fibroin coatings made the strawberries less permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen.
A subsequent study also found that the system works on bananas too - decreasing the ripening rate and preventing the softening of the peel.
The silk coating is odourless, and did not affect the fruit's feel, however the taste effects have not yet been studied.
A breakthrough in preservation techniques could help to bring down the shelf price of fresh produce.
Source: skynews.com.au