Extending Shelf Life of Produce with Microneedle-Delivered Melatonin: A Water- and Energy-Saving InnovationResearchers from MIT and the Singapor...
Published on by Hossein Ataei Far, Deputy Manager of the Research, Technology Development, and Industry Relations Center at NWWEC
Researchers from MIT and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have developed a novel technology using biodegradable silk microneedles to inject fresh-cut crops with melatonin, significantly extending their shelf life. Applied to pak choy, this method delayed spoilage by four days at room temperature and up to ten days under refrigeration.
This approach addresses a major global challenge: over 30% of harvested food is lost before consumption, wasting both resources and the potential to feed over 1 billion people. Traditional preservation methods, such as refrigeration, require substantial energy and infrastructure that many regions lack. By reducing reliance on cold storage, microneedle-delivered melatonin helps conserve energy while maintaining crop quality.
The silk microneedles penetrate plant tissue without inducing stress, delivering precise doses that enhance antioxidant activity, regulate plant hormones, and slow senescence. Unlike spraying or dipping, microneedles reach the plant’s vascular system, ensuring uniform hormone distribution and effective preservation.
In addition to energy savings, this technology improves water efficiency: by preventing spoilage, less water invested in irrigation, fertilization, and cultivation is wasted. It is particularly beneficial in emerging markets where post-harvest losses are high and cold-chain logistics are limited.
In summary, microneedle-delivered melatonin provides a scalable and sustainable solution to extend produce freshness, save water and energy, reduce food waste, and increase global access to nutritious food.
**Reference:**
Han, Y., Jangir, M., Marelli, B., et al. (2025). *Microneedle-mediated melatonin delivery extends the post-harvest shelf life of pak choy*. Nano Letters, MIT & SMAR