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Advancements in polymer science and nanotechnology hold significant potential for addressing the increasing demands of food security, by enhancing the shelf life, barrier properties, and nutritional quality of harvested fruits and vegetables. In this context, biopolymer-based delivery systems present themselves as a promising strategy for encapsulating bioactive compounds, improving their absorption, stability, and functionality. This study provides an exploration of the synthesis, characterization, and postharvest protection applications of nanocarriers formed through the complexation of chitosan oligomers, carboxymethylcellulose, and alginate in a 2:2:1 molar ratio. This complexation process was facilitated by methacrylic anhydride and sodium tripolyphosphate as cross-linking agents. Characterization techniques employed include transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction. The resulting hollow nanospheres, characterized by a monodisperse distribution and a mean diameter of 114 nm, exhibited efficient encapsulation of carvacrol, with a loading capacity of approximately 20%. Their suitability for phytopathogen control was assessed in vitro against three phytopathogens—Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Colletotrichum coccodes—revealing minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 23.3 to 31.3 μg·mL−1. This indicates a higher activity compared to non-encapsulated conventional fungicides. In ex situ tests for tomato (cv. ‘Daniela’) protection, higher doses (50–100 μg·mL−1, depending on the pathogen) were necessary to achieve high protection. Nevertheless, these doses remained practical for real-world applicability. The advantages of safety, coupled with the potential for a multi-target mode of action, further enhance the appeal of these nanocarriers.

[ES] Con el fin de lograr minimizar los problemas que supone el uso de plásticos no biodegradables en muchos ámbitos, como en la industria alimentaria, se han empezado a estudiar la incorporación de compuestos naturales al mundo de los plásticos con el propósito de que estos nuevos materiales puedan degradarse en la naturaleza e incluso favorecerla, como se logra con los plásticos compostables. No obstante, se sabe que para formar un envase a partir de plástico biodegradable se necesitan diferentes materiales naturales que puedan complementarse entre sí. Para ello, es necesario el uso de adhesivos que no sean contraproducentes para el medio ambiente, como los estudiados en este trabajo. Todos ellos también basados en compuestos naturales de origen animal y vegetal. Así también como los poliuretanos biodegradables creados a partir de distintos aceites vegetales., [EN] In order to minimize the problems caused by the use of non-biodegradable plastics in many areas, such as in the food industry, the incorporation of natural compounds into the plastic world has begun to be studied so that these new materials can degrade in nature and even favor it, as it is achieved with compostable plastics. However, it is known that different natural materials are needed to form a container from biodegradable plastic that can complement each other. In order to do that, it is necessary to use adhesives that are not counterproductive for the environment, such as those studied in this work. All of them are also based on natural compounds of animal and vegetable origin. As well as biodegradable polyurethanes that are created from different vegetable oils.