Utilization possibilities of antimicrobial biodegradable packaging produced by poly(butylene succinate) modified with zinc oxide nanoparticles infresh-cut apple slices

A novel nanocomposite-based packaging was prepared by blending poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with various concentrations (0, 2, 4 and 6%, w/w) of nano-ZnO and was applied to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut apples during cold storage. Results showed that, continuous increase in a* values and browning index and decrease in L* values, indicating that a trend of increase in brownness, were found during storage in all treatments. However, slight difference in browning parameters was observed among the treatments packed in different packages. Continuous decrease in firmness and increase in weight loss were also detected in all samples during storage. The decrease of sucrose was observed in all treatments, while fructose and glucose tended to increase within the first 6 days of storage and then decreased till the end of storage. During storage, the samples packed in the PBS/ZnO0 and the PBS/ZnO2 contained higher vitamin C and phenolic contents than those of the samples packed in the PBS/ZnO4 and the PBS/ZnO6. According to microbiological standard, the shelf life of samples was approximately 9 and 12 days for the samples packed in the PBS/ZnO0 and the PBS/ZnO2, respectively, while the samples packed the PBS/ZnO4 and the PBS/ZnO6 were assured for at least 18 days of storage. Thus, the incorporation of nano-ZnO (4%) in the PBS packaging could be used as an alternative way to extend shelf life of fresh-cut apples