Effect of Modified-Atmosphere Packaging Using Polyethylene and Silicone Nano-polymer Films on Quality of Tomatoes (Lycopersicun esculentum L.) var. Santella

Fruits and vegetables are the most important horticultural products that play a key role in human nutrition and health. The Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology along with controlled temperature is used to preserve and extend the shelf life of perishable foods. Modern technologies (e.g. nanotechnology) allow use of nano-composites in MAP, offering new opportunities to better exploit the advantages of this technology. This study analyzed the effect of MAP using two types of film (i.e. polyethylene and silicone nano-polymer) and three different gas mixtures (4%O2%CO2 88%N2, 5%O2%CO2%N2, and 80%O2%N2) as well as passive MAP (at 5°C) on qualitative properties of tomato. The effects of above mentioned treatments were conducted on the weight loss, TSS, pH, titratable acidity (TA), rate of respiration, yeast and mould count (YMC) and total viable count (TVC) during 28 days of storage. A factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replicates was used to conduct the experiment and data analysis. Results showed that MAP of tomatoes helped preserve their quality and extended their shelf life. Accordingly, silicone nanopolymer in combination with gas mixture (4%O2%CO2%N2) provided a desirable atmosphere for tomatoes and hampered metabolic processes including respiration. This in turn showed better results in reducing variations in weight, TSS, pH and TA than other treatments. Moreover, the lowest YMC and TVC belonged to this treatment.