FRUITPRINT · Design of novel post-harvest technologies with low carbon footprint based on the discovery of active biomolecules

A main challenge for human societies is to feed the ever-increasing world population while limiting the carbon footprint inherent in food production activities. These seemingly opposing challenges must be reconciled. Securing sufficient amount of food requires to master the post-harvest storage of fruit and vegetables, the main source of nutrient for human, especially if we aim to reduce meet consumption due to its high carbon footprint. Controlled atmosphere is the main technology used to extend shelf-life of fresh products. It is mainly based on low temperature and low oxygen that reduce metabolic activity of fruit and vegetables, but it is energy consuming with high carbon footprint impact. On the other hand, 1-MCP, a chemical that prevents plants from sensing the plant hormone Ethylene, is also widely used in post-harvest storage to block ripening and senescence. It has a non-discriminating effects on different ripening processes leading to some alteration of organoleptic traits. FRUITPRINT project aims to identify novel bioactive molecules to improve storage and limit post-harvest losses while reducing energy consumption. The project consists of 3 main steps: (1) identification of novel bioactive molecules inhibiting ripening and senescence by in silico and in vitro screens of large libraries of chemical compounds, (2) evaluation of the effectiveness of the selected bioactive molecules in post-harvest storage, and (3) uncovering the molecular underpinnings of their beneficial effects on fruit and vegetables physiology. FRUITPRINT project rely on multidisciplinary approaches and complementary expertise from partners on virtual screening, oxygen sensing, fruit physiology and post-harvest storage. It will build on original and innovative material such as high-throughput screening platform, Bioluminescent plants and protein biosensors allowing in vivo screening, and facilities for post-harvest storage.