In the present study, we report the aqueous extract of Pithophora oedogonia to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by reduction of silver nitrate. It was noted that synthesis process was considerably rapid and silver nanoparticles were generated within few minutes of silver ions coming in contact with the algal extract. A peak at 445 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of AgNPs was noted in the UV-vis spectrum of the aqueous medium that contained silver ions. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and dynamic light scattering analysis of colloidal AgNPs indicated the size of 34.03 nm. Energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed strong signals in the silver region and confirmed of the AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of the nanoparticles indicated the presence of protein which was regarding a capping agent surrounding the AgNPs. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of synthesized nanoparticles exhibited potential inhibitory activity against seven tested pathogenic bacteria.
An experiment was conducted on pear fruit (cv. 'Lagoon') to extend the shelf life by using different packaging materials. Fruits were packed in low density polyethylene (LDPE, 0.025 mm), polypropylene (PP, 0.025 mm), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE, 0.0125 mm) and high density polyethylene (HDPE, 0.025 mm) with or without perforation and stored at ambient condition (25 ± 2 °C and 65.0 ± 5% RH). Periodical observations were recorded on CO2 & O2 concentration (%), physiological loss in weight (PLW, %), decay loss (%), firmness (kgf), colour value (colour difference and colour index), total soluble solid (TSS, °Brix), acidity (mg of malic acid/g), and ascorbic acid loss (%) at 3 days interval. Reduced rate of PLW and decay losses was recorded in pear fruits packed in PP non-perforated (8.04%) and PP perforated (12.5%), respectively as compared to other treatments. The maximum firmness (5.18 kgf) and minimum ascorbic acid loss (49.97%) were also recorded in PP non-perforated up to 12 and 15 days of storage, respectively. It could be inferred that the, PP non-perforated (0.025 mm) was the most suitable packaging materials for extending the shelf life of pear fruits up to 15 days at ambient condition.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.