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International Conference on

Recent Trends in Environmental Sustainability

ESCON22/NMsB/42
Role of silica nanoparticles and chitosan on storage life of kinnow fruits

Umaima Rasheed*1, Hafiz Faiq Bakhat1, Muhammad Shafique Khalid1, Ghulam Mustafa
Shah1, Faiz Rabbani1
Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad Vehari Campus

Correspondence: manorasheed67@gmail.com

Abstract
Silicon is non-essential beneficial element for the plant especially facing biotic and abiotic
stresses. Among the citrus fruits, Kinnow (Citrus reticulata cv. Kinnow Blanco) is preferred
and widely used due to its high juice contents and nutritious value. The fruits cannot be stored
for longer time due to its short storage life. Various methods involving low temperature and
coatings has been employed to extend the fruit shelf life. Coating of silica nanoparticles (SiO2-
NPs) on the peel surface of fresh fruits acts as barrier to oxygen, water and other gases that
may increase the shelf life of fruits. In this study SiO2-NPs were prepared and used with and
without bio-polymers (chitosan) as a coating material to extend the shelf life and quality of
Kinnow fruit. The prepared NPs were characterized using XRD and SEM. Harvested fruits
were treated with SiO2-NPs and Chitosan- SiO2-NPs and stored at 5±1 oC for 45 days and
were analyzed for various physical (fruit color, smoothness and blemished area) and
biochemical (total soluble solids, citric acid, ascorbic acid and phenolic contents)
characteristics. There was non-significant difference between all treatments while significant
difference was observed with the storage time (removals) after 15, 30 and 45 days of storage.
The obtained data was preceded for graphical and tabulated representation using MS-Excel and
statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Results showed that Silica-NPs has
beneficial effect on shelf life of Kinnow fruits and maintain its external and internal parameters
as compared to Silica-NPs + Chitosan, because chitosan did not show any effect due to waxy
layer.

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus

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