THE MUCILAGE OF FORAGE CACTUS: A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR FOOD PRESERVATION AND BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING

Abstract

The forage cactus (Opuntia spp.) stands out as a strategic crop for semiarid regions due to its high water-use efficiency and resistance to water stress and intense solar radiation. In addition to its fundamental role in animal feeding, this species shows great potential for the utilization of bioactive compounds with industrial applications. Among these compounds, the mucilage extracted from the cladodes has attracted increasing scientific and technological interest. It is a natural, biodegradable, and biocompatible polysaccharide, whose physicochemical properties provide it with high water retention capacity, viscosity, and the ability to form films and gels. These characteristics make cactus mucilage a promising alternative for the production of biodegradable packaging and edible coatings, especially in the post-harvest preservation of fruits and vegetables, contributing to loss reduction and extended shelf life. Beyond reducing dependence on synthetic polymers, its use adds value to the cactus crop and promotes the development of the regional bioeconomy, with a positive impact on environmental sustainability and food security. However, the advancement of its large-scale application depends on further studies aimed at standardizing extraction methods, chemically characterizing the compound under different edaphoclimatic conditions, and evaluating its performance in cultivation systems. Thus, the full utilization of forage cactus, especially its mucilage, represents a concrete opportunity for technological innovation and the valorization of natural resources adapted to semiarid environments.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.039-005