In the recent years, functionalised Au nanoparticles using eco-friendly chemical routes are under the focus for developing several technological applications. However, a simple, reproducible, and controlled synthesis of high-quality nanoparticles is challenging in these approaches. In this work, readily available green chemicals were utilised and the usefulness of and Taguchi approach for optimisation of synthesis procedure was designed for the synthesis of possible lower size Au nanoparticles of size 93 ± 7 nm. L16 orthogonal array, by which the influence of four factors in four levels may well be tested, was chosen. Analysis of variance was done on the attained results and optimum condition suggested by statistical estimations was tested through a verification test. The identified key parameters for synthesising lower size Au nanoparticles are reducing agent (curcumin + cinnamic acid + citric acid), additive (zero), sonication time (30 min), and temperature (50°C) after performing the optimisation technique. Furthermore, this study also provides a selective approach to obtain different shape/shape Au nano to colloidal structures through different trail selection within the Taguchi experimental array.

This paper studied the effects of sericin-based edible coating material on the quality and shelf-life of tomatoes over 40 days of storage at 25°C and relative humidity of 70%. The key constituents of the coating material are sericin (1.5%), chitosan (1.0%), Aloe vera (1.0%), and glycerol (1.5%) in an aqueous solution and applied onto tomatoes in a simple dip-coating technique. Weight loss, firmness titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and lycopene content were investigated and scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the semipermeable nature and the thickness of the coating layer. The results stated that the developed coating material reduced weight and firmness losses in tomatoes. With increased storage time, fruit TA content was increased and the values of pH, TSS, lycopene content, total phenolic content, and total antioxidant concentration stood low in comparison with uncoated tomatoes. With no evidence of wrinkles (up to 21 days), visible cracks, or deterioration on coated fruits during the study period, the application of sericin-based coating might be useful commercially for maintaining the postharvest quality control of tomatoes and even other fruits as well.