Evaluation of the Effect of Polyethylene Coating Based on Silver Nanoparticles on Increasing the Shelf Life, Qualitative and Microbial Parameters of Wheat Germ

It is possible to increase the shelf life and maintain the quality of wheat germ during storage by using suitable packaging. One of the new technologies considered by researchers is the use of packaging based on nanoparticles. In this study, wheat germs were packaged in polyethylene packages containing silver nanoparticles, and the effect of the packaging on the quality characteristics and shelf life of wheat germ were determined. In this research work, at determining the most optimal conditions for the packaging of wheat germ, the effects of weight percent (wt%) of nanosilver (0, 3, and 5%), time of storage (0, 5, and 10 days), and three different temperatures (2, 4, and 6 0C) on the shelf life of wheat germ have been studied. The results showed that temperature, storage time, and concentration of nanosilver in polyethylene packaging had significant effects on moisture, pH, and enzyme activity of wheat germ. Experimental data indicated that the storage time of wheat germ increased by increasing the concentration of nanosilver from 3% to 5% and by decreasing temperature from 6 ° C to 2 ° C for ten days. Nanoparticle packages were significantly (P <0.05) able to reduce mold growth in wheat germ. Based on the results, it might be concluded that the application of films based on silver nanoparticles increases the shelf life of wheat germ. Wheat germ had the highest shelf life in packaging with 5% silver nanoparticles at 2 ° C and was selected as the selected sample.