Comparative performance of nano-composite film and LDPE packaging for extending shelf-life of fresh Nagpur mandarin segments

Abstract

The ZnO nanocomposites film used for the study was characterized by 40 nm ZnO nanoparticle embedded in 50 nm thickness poly film with tensile strength of 3.35 ± 0.50 kg longitudinally and 1.67 ± 0.27 kg transversely average breaking load which was provided by CIRCOT, Mumbai. Microbial stability, total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid (AA) content, browning index, colour value, limonin, carotenoids and sugars of Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulate Banco) segments packed in ZnO nanoparticle containing film and LDPE film were studied at monthly interval in refrigerated storage (4°C). Packaging containing ZnO nanoparticle was suitable to maintain the microbial load below the threshold population limit (6 log CFU/ml) till 30 days of storage. The segments had better colour in ZnO nanopackaging after 30 days of storage. The total soluble solids (TSS), vitamin-C and carotenoid contents were found better in ZnO nanopackaging than that of LDPE packaging. Relatively lesser value of browning was recorded in ZnO nanoparticle containing film (0.62 mg/l). The limonin content was recorded to be higher than the threshold limit in both the packaging. The changes in segments juice reducing, non-reducing and total sugars were found to be at higher side in LDPE packaging than that of nanopackaging. Study revealed that segments in nanopackaging had 30 days of shelf-life under refrigerated storage.