Innovative silver-salicylic acid nanoparticle coatings based on CMC and chitosan for mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. “Fajri Klan”) fruit preservation

Abstract This research explores synthesis of silver-salicylic acid nanoparticles (AgNPs-SA) and their integration with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to form CMC-AgNPs-SA and with chitosan to form Ch-AgNPs-SA. The effects of these composite materials were evaluated in terms of microbiological activity, storage performance, physicochemical attributes, and shelf-life extension of ‘Fajri Klan’ mangoes fruits at 13 °C. The synthesized AgNPs-SA was confirmed to be spherical, with sizes between 20.9 and 33.4 nm and a zeta potential of -20 mV. Additionally, CMC-AgNPs-SA, and Ch-AgNPs-SA demonstrated comparable antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Over the storage period, cold-stored mangoes exhibited gradual increased in weight loss, respiration rate, and higher levels of total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, and carotenoids. However, these changes were more pronounced in the uncoated samples (control). The application of CMC-AgNPs-SA and Ch-AgNPs-SA helped maintain fruit quality, suppressed decay, and extended shelf life. Although firmness and titratable acidity (TA) naturally declined with time, the coated mangoes retained these qualities better than the control group. Based on these findings, CMC-AgNPs-SA and Ch-AgNPs-SA show strong potential as effective coatings for preserving fruit quality and prolonging the storage duration of ‘Fajri Klan’ mangoes.