Immobilization of Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Mango Peel Extract on Low Density Polyethylene Surface and its Application as Biologically Active Packages

Abstract

This work focuses on surface modification of polyethylene films by ammonium persulphate/ferric nitrate mixtures and coating of silver nanoparticles on the surface of treated film. For this purpose, the surface of polyethylene film was treated with ammonium persulphate/ferric nitrate mixtures and then the modified polymeric film was immersedin a solution of silver nanoparticles that was synthesized by plant extract reduction of silver salt using mango peel extract. The antimicrobial activity of silver/polyethylene nanocomposite was evaluated and then it was used as an active package to extend shelf life of strawberry during storage at 4°C. The obtained results showed that, silver/polyethylene nanocomposite film has high antimicrobial properties against Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonase aeroginosa and Fusarium oxysporum. Finally, the strawberry storage indicated that, strawberry rapped in silver/polyethylenenanocomposite had values of weight loss, pH and total aerobic bacteria count as well as yeast and mold count lower than other samples(unwrapped and wrapped in native polyethylene).