Dual-Function Metal–Phenolic Networks-Capped Starch Nanoparticles for Postharvest Pesticide Removal and Produce Preservation

The safety and quality of fresh produce are increasingly challenged by pesticide residues and postharvest losses. Traditional postharvest treatments often show limited effectiveness in removing pesticide residues and may introduce micro/nanoplastics contaminations, leading to the need for innovative solutions that both enhance pesticide removal and preserve produce quality. Herein, we developed a novel dual-function postharvest wash based on metal–phenolic networks capped-starch nanoparticles (FTN@SNPs), designed to synergistically remove pesticide residues and reduce postharvest deterioration. The wash formulation integrates the nutritive polyphenol tannic acid and iron ions into a metal–phenolic networks (MPNs), which is further capped onto starch nanoparticles to create a multifunctional solution with effective washing capability, antimicrobial and antioxidant coating properties. Comprehensive evaluations on fresh produce demonstrated that the FTN@SNPs wash reduced diverse types of surface pesticide residues by over 86% as quantified by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, outperforming conventional wash solutions. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the interactions between pesticide residues and MPNs are primarily formed through π-π interactions, van der Waals forces, and hydrogen bonds. In addition, detailed characterization of the coating's impact on quality parameters, including visual appearance, weight loss, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids, demonstrated its substantial benefits in maintaining postharvest freshness in both whole and fresh-cut produce. This dual-action approach highlights the potential of the FTN@SNPs wash as a sustainable, biodegradable, and scalable strategy to improve food safety and minimize postharvest losses in fresh produce supply chains.