Storage Behavior of “Seddik” Mango Fruit Coated with CMC and Guar Gum-Based Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Mango fruit (cv. Seddik) is known as a delicate fruit for storage after harvest. Herein, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and guar gum-based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used as fruit coatings, and their effects on postharvest storage behavior and quality attributes were investigated. AgNPs were synthesized using a chemical reduction approach and then combined with CMC and guar gum as coating bases. Mango fruits were coated with the developed and pre-characterized CMC-AgNPs and guar gum-AgNPs, and then packed and stored at 13 °C for 4 weeks. The results showed an increase in weight loss, respiration rate, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, and total carotenoids over the storage period. However, this increase was comparatively less significant in coated fruits compared to uncoated fruits. Firmness and titratable acidity (TA) significantly decreased during storage, but this decrease was less in coated fruits. Silver traces in fruit pulp samples were not detected. These findings showed the efficacy of CMC-AgNP and guar gum-AgNP coatings in delaying mango fruit ripening and maintaining fruit quality during cold storage. Therefore, these coatings could be promising alternative materials for extending the postharvest life and marketing period of mango fruit.