Nano-Silver Impregnated Wrapping Film to Keep Fruit Fresh

Abstract

It is the common belief that, silver is one of the most effective and the least toxic inorganic antimicrobial agent. At minute concentrations, silver ions are nontoxic to human cells. In this study we investigate the ability of nano-silver to act as a spoilage controlling agent. Authors have developed a wrapping polymer film impregnated with nano silver and hereby, its effectiveness in preserving fruit during storage is investigated. It is well-known that the antimicrobial activity of nano-silver depends on it size and shape. Assuming that the dissolved mono-valent silver ion is the major contributor to its bactericidal effect, a semi-empirical mathematical model was developed to predict the changes of antibacterial effect with time, of the silver sol used.