Physicochemical properties and microbial quality of tremella aurantialba packed in antimicrobial composite films

Abstract

The effects of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based film with inorganic antimicrobial nano-TiO2 and nano-Ag on the physicochemical and microbial quality of Tremella aurantialba stored at 4 ± 1°C for 16 days was investigated. Rosemary essential oil (REO, 9 wt %) was added into PLA film as plasticizer. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and PLA film was used as the controls. The experiment measured physicochemical properties and microbial levels, such as weight loss, firmness, Vitamin C, color, microbiological quality, and sensory quality. Although Tremella aurantialba packed by nano-composite films had the highest weight loss (4.96% and 5.17%) at the end of storage, it was still in the vicinity of 5%. Tremella aurantialba packed with nano-composite films were significantly (p < 0.05) firmer than those packed by LDPE, PLA, and PLA/REO films. The nano-composite films were more effective in reducing Vitamin C and microbial counts and preserving the color of Tremella aurantialba than the other three groups. The overall acceptability of Tremella aurantialba packed by the nano-composite films still remained good and within the limits of marketability after 12 days of storage. The results suggested that the proposed nano-composite films could maintain the quality of Tremella aurantialba and extend its postharvest life.