Open AccessPreparation of an agar‐silver nanoparticles (A‐AgNp) film for increasing the shelf‐life of fruits
Author(s) -
Gudadhe Janhavi A.,
Yadav Alka,
Gade Aniket,
Marcato Priscyla D.,
Durán Nelson,
Rai Mahendra
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
iet nanobiotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1751-875X
DOI - 10.1049/iet-nbt.2013.0010
Subject(s) - shelf life , agar , silver nanoparticle , antimicrobial , ocimum , food science , chemistry , agar diffusion test , nanoparticle , materials science , botany , biology , nanotechnology , bacteria , organic chemistry , biochemistry , genetics , escherichia coli , gene
Preparation of protective coating possessing antimicrobial properties is present day need as they increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. In the present study, preparation of agar‐silver nanoparticle film for increasing the shelf life of fruits is reported. Silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) biosynthesised using an extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves, were mixed with agar–agar to prepare an agar‐silver nanoparticles (A‐AgNp) film. This film was surface‐coated over the fruits, Citrus aurantifolium (Thornless lime) and Pyrus malus (Apple), and evaluated for the determination of antimicrobial activity of A‐AgNp films using disc diffusion method, weight loss and shelf life of fruits. This study demonstrates that these A‐AgNp films possess antimicrobial activity and also increase the shelf life of fruits.