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Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Quality of Tremella aurantialba Packed in Antimicrobial Composite Films

Summary

This research investigated new types of food packaging that use nanotechnology to keep mushrooms fresh longer. Scientists developed special plastic films containing tiny particles of titanium dioxide and silver that can fight bacteria and preserve food quality. The study found that mushrooms packed in these new materials stayed fresh and maintained their quality for up to 16 days when refrigerated, compared to just a few days with regular packaging. Impacts on everyday life: • Longer lasting fresh mushrooms means fewer trips to the grocery store • Reduced food waste from spoilage • Better preserved nutritional value of stored mushrooms • Potential applications for preserving other perishable foods • More sustainable food packaging options using biodegradable materials

Background

Tremella aurantialba is an edible and medicinal jelly fungus with brain-shaped, golden basidiocarps that grows on decaying wood in regions like Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Gansu Province. It has medicinal effects including resolving phlegm, relieving coughs, stopping asthma and regulating Qi. However, it is highly perishable with a short shelf-life of 1-3 days at ambient temperature due to lack of protective cuticle, making it vulnerable to microbial attack, water loss, and biochemical changes.

Objective

To investigate the effects of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based film containing inorganic antimicrobial nano-TiO2 and nano-Ag on the physicochemical and microbial quality of Tremella aurantialba stored at 4±1°C for 16 days. The study aimed to evaluate if these novel packaging materials could maintain quality and extend postharvest shelf life.

Results

The nano-composite films showed superior performance in maintaining firmness, vitamin C content, and color while effectively reducing microbial growth compared to control films. Although samples in nano-composite films had slightly higher weight loss (4.96-5.17%), they maintained good overall acceptability and marketability for up to 12 days of storage. The antimicrobial properties of nano-TiO2 and nano-Ag effectively inhibited both mesophilic and psychrophilic bacterial growth.

Conclusion

PLA/REO films containing nano-TiO2 and nano-Ag showed promising results for preserving T. aurantialba quality and extending shelf life up to 16 days when stored at 4±1°C. The nano-composite packaging demonstrated better maintenance of tissue firmness, overall acceptability, microbial inhibition, and preservation of vitamin C and color compared to conventional packaging. However, further research on nanoparticle migration is needed before commercial implementation.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules22030500
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