Cellulose-silver nanoparticle hybrid materials to control spoilage-related microflora in absorbent pads located in trays of fresh-cut melon.

The antimicrobial activity of newly developed cellulose-silver nanoparticle hybrid materials was investigated during storage of minimally processed "Piel de Sapo" melon. Silver nanoparticles were produced after in-situ reduction by physical methods of 1% silver nitrate adsorbed on cellulose fibres; they accounted between 5 and 35 nm diameter, and were not aggregated. Fresh-cut melon pieces were stored for 10 days at 4 degrees C under natural modified atmosphere packaging, in presence or absence of silver loaded absorbent pads. The evolution of headspace gas composition, quality parameters, and the antimicrobial activity against spoilage-related microorganisms were investigated. The cellulose-silver nanoparticle hybrid materials released silver ions after melon juice impregnated the pad. The released silver ions were particularly useful to control the population of spoilage-related microorganisms in cellulose based absorbent pads in contact with vegetable matrices, showing a low chelating effect against silver ions; the lag phases of the microorganisms were considerably incremented and microbial loads in the pads remained in average approx. 3 log(10) CFU/g below the control during the investigated storage period. Furthermore, the presence of silver loaded absorbent pads retarded the senescence of the melon cuts, presenting remarkably lower yeast counts, lower degrees Brix values, and a juicier appearance after 10 days of storage.