Physicochemical and microbial quality of Agaricus bisporus packaged in nano-SiO2/TiO2 loaded polyvinyl alcohol films

Abstract Effective packages can extend shelf life and quality of mushrooms in storage. This study is to investigate the effects of nano-SiO2/nano-TiO2 loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) packages on preservation of Agaricus bisporus. Quality properties, including weight loss, respiration rate, color, total soluble solid, pH, malondialdehyde content, electrolyte leakage rate, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, microbial growth and microstructure have been evaluated in 15 days storage at 4 ± 1 °C and 90 % relative humidity. Results showed that mushrooms packaged in nano-SiO2/nano-TiO2 loaded PVA films exhibited a better retention in pH, color, total phenolics, ascorbic acid and antimicrobial activity than those with PVA or polyethylene films. They can make the weight loss, respiration rate, electrolyte leakage rate and accumulation of malondialdehyde more slowly, and lower polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities. These positive effects might be attributed to their effectively control of O2 and CO2 in these packages.