Nano‐chitosan as an antimicrobial agent in preservative solutions for cut flowers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cut flowers require proper postharvest stem hydration to prolong vase life. Nano-sized chitosan is an effective antimicrobial agent that has several potential agricultural applications. In this study, we compared the efficacies of solutions containing chitosan nanoparticles, regular chitosan particles, citric acid, and distilled and tap water controls in treating cut gerbera inflorescences during postharvest storage. Relative water uptake (RWU), transpiration rate (TR), water balance (WB), ligule color, solution pH, stem bending, stem-end blockage, and counts of bacteria, mold and yeast were investigated. RESULTS:The solution containing chitosan nanoparticles prevented stem bending, enabled higher RWU (41.8 g kg −1 day −1 ), established a suitable WB, and controlled microbial growth more efficiently than the other solutions. The chitosan nanoparticle solution strongly inhibited molds and yeasts. CONCLUSION:The results of this study demonstrated that nano-chitosan is a promising postharvest preservative for cut gerbera inflorescences.

Effect of Chitosan nanoparticles on quality indices, metabolites, and vase life of Rosa hybrida cv. Black magic

“…Our results are also agree with Spricigo et al [39] who investigated the effect of chitosan on different cut flowers and his research concluded that highest microbial growth of 4.5 Log CFU per liter was observed in control and a minimum of 2.3 Log CFU in nanochitosan (110 nm). The beneficial properties of CTS-NPs had been related to its multi-cationic nature, chain length, inhibitory synthesis of certain fungal enzymes, production of phenolic compounds and formation of structural barriers [43,44].…”

“…The finding is correlated to the study and is similar to the findings of Bañuelos-Hernández et al [19] who investigated 20 days of vase life in H. bihai when chitosan was applied at a rate of 1.0% and 15 days of vase life in chitosan 1.5%, respectively. The same findings were obtained in gerbera cut flowers by Spricigo et al [39]. One of the most important methods of nanobiotechnology is the use of nanoscience to formulate and manipulate compounds to increase quality and effect and prolong biological activity.…”

“…The same findings were obtained by Spricigo et al [39]. Spricigo et al [39] who reported that the flower stems placed in nano-chitosan solution had the higher water uptake which can be because of the better absorption condition in acidified solutions and also the inhibitory effect of chitosan exerts on microbial growth and xylem obstruction. Rose stems maintained in distilled water also did not have more solution uptake compared to solutions having chitosan nanoparticles even in the initial days of vase life and their water uptake capacity loose as increasing in the longevity.…”

“…It has been stated that chitosan increases the amount of water in flowers petal and increases its lifespan [45]. The same findings were obtained by Spricigo et al [39]. Spricigo et al [39] who reported that the flower stems placed in nano-chitosan solution had the higher water uptake which can be because of the better absorption condition in acidified solutions and also the inhibitory effect of chitosan exerts on microbial growth and xylem obstruction.…”

Combining Chitosan Nanoparticles and Garlic Essential Oil as additive fillers to Pectin Edible Films for Primary Rice Containing

“…Nanostructured fillers, especially polymeric nanoparticles (chitosan nanoparticles, cellulose nanofibrils, etc.) [6], have been widely inserted in the biopolymer matrices improving substantial and effectively the physicochemical properties, mechanical strength and water vapor permeability [7], as well as in some cases incorporating complementary properties, such as active properties (antioxidant and antimicrobial) [8].…”