Effect of packaging material containing nano-silver and silicate clay particles on postharvest quality attributes of sweet cherry cv. Syaahe Mashhad

Packaging is one of the important factors in determining storage life of foods and nanotechnology can extend this life by improving the quality of packaging materials. In this study, the effect of packaging materials containing nano-silver and nano-clay silicate particles on postharvest quality attributes and shelf life of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) cv. Syaahe Mashhad fruits was studied after 45 days storing at 1 ± 1 °C and 90% ± 2 relative humidity. For this purpose, the amount of antioxidant, marketability, total acidity, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, fruit decay, fruit pedicel browning index, pH, and total soluble solids of fruits were evaluated during the storage period. The results indicated that in comparison with common polymeric packaging material, the packages containing nano-silver particles based on polyethylene significantly caused to retain antioxidants quantity. Moreover, the packages containing nano-silver and nano-clay silicate particles effectively kept vitamin C, total phenolic compounds and fruit marketability.