THE EFFECT OF NANO-COMPOSITE PACKAGING CARBON NANOTUBE AND ZINC OXSIDE NANOPARTICLES BASE ON ORGANOLEPTIC AND MICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF MAZAFATI BRAND DATES

Introduction: Dates are one of the most Iran's important products and have a main role in people’s nutrition. About 35 percent of this product is converted to waste due to the improper packaging. Nanotechnology might be regarded important in packaging and storage of food by increasing the barrier properties of packaging systems and by improving their properties. In this research work due to the importance of dates, the effect of ZnO Nanoparticles and Carbon Nanotube films on sensory properties and microbial contamination of Mazafati dates are evaluated. Materials and Methods: Mazafati dates of Bam was purchased from Tehran open market. Packages were prepared from the pure Polyethylen (W) and Carbon Nanotube and ZnO nanoparticles (CZ, 0.1, 1 and 2 percent) and filled with fresh Mazafati dates and then were monitored after 90 days intervals. The results were analysed using Duncan's multiple range test. Results: It was shown that by that the using ZnO Nanoparticles and Carbon Nanotube composite films, the microbial load has been significantly decreased. Indeed, the number of lactic acid bacteria in the samples containing carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles of zinc oxide at two percent concentration, have decreased by 0.83 logarithmic cycle. Conclusion: The results indicated that by using nano-films, the shelf life of Mazafati dates might be increased, without negative effects on sensory properties.