Preservation of Ginkgo biloba seeds by coating with chitosan/nano-TiO and chitosan/nano-SiO films.

In this study, the chitosan, chitosan/nano-TiO and chitosan/nano-SiO coating films were prepared, their physico-chemical properties were determined. Then the preservation of Ginkgo biloba seeds coating with these films were investigated during storage. The incorporation of nano-TiO and nano-SiO particles of the best formula enhanced the mechanical properties of the composite films, which improved the water-vapor and gas permeability. Chitosan coating incorporation of nano-TiO and nano-SiO particles could significantly decrease the decay rate, shrinkage rate, respiration rate, ethylene production rate, electrolyte leakage rate, superoxide anion (O) production rate and the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) content. After storage, the firmness of G. biloba seeds coated with chitosan alone and chitosan/nanocomposite were markedly higher than those of control. Higher activities of scavenger antioxidant enzymes including peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were enhanced in the chitosan/nano-TiO and chitosan/nano-SiO coating treatments during storage time. Either the composite treatment of chitosan with nano-TiO or chitosan/nano-SiO exhibited desirable performance in inhibiting mildew occurrence, shrinkage and maintaining the firmness of G. biloba seeds, positively affect the antioxidant activity in G. biloba seeds, thereby leading to the enhancement of seed quality. Coating G. biloba seeds with chitosan/nano-TiO or chitosan/nano-SiO is a potential method for commercial preservation.