KarpoLax Lasting Longer

Karpolax is innovative because it uses a green nanotechnology approach to develop shelf-life extension sachets that release natural volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as eugenol, thymol, and hexanal. These VOCs inhibit ethylene production and microbial growth, and suppress phospholipase D (PLD) activity, which slows membrane breakdown and delays ripening and spoilage of fruits and vegetables. Unlike cold storage or synthetic chemical preservatives, our sachets are low-cost, eco-friendly, require no electricity, and are safe for use across the entire value chain. This makes them particularly suited for smallholder farmers and distributors in low-resource settings where access to refrigeration is limited or nonexistent. Our innovation lies in making advanced post-harvest preservation affordable, scalable, and accessible, enabling farmers to sell more produce, reduce food waste, and increase their incomes.