Postharvest spraying of zinc oxide nanoparticles enhances shelf life qualities and zinc concentration of tomato fruits
Hamidreza Sharifan
A D E , Azam Noori B , Majid Bagheri C and Janie M. Moore A E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, TAMU 2117, College Station, TX 77840, USA.
B Department of Biology, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA 01845, USA.
C Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO, 65409, USA.
D Department of Natural Science, Albany State University, Albany, GA 31705, USA.
E Corresponding authors. Email: j.moore@tamu.edu, hamidreza.sharifan@asurams.edu
Crop and Pasture Science - https://doi.org/10.1071/CP21191
Submitted: 20 March 2021 Accepted: 7 June 2021 Published online: 15 September 2021
Abstract
Plant growth relies on the bioavailability of essential nutrients in the growth environment. Access to mineral nutrients is particularly challenging for crops cultivated in alkaline soil, and in these environments, postharvest application may be effective. Advancements in nanotechnology have provided approaches to improve the essential nutrient content of plants and shelf life of produce. Mineralisation by nanoparticles is a promising postharvest technique that can fortify the essential minerals of plants. This study investigated the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a potential nano-agent to enhance Zn content in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), with ZnO-NPs at 100 mg L–1 applied externally to tomatoes postharvest for 4 weeks. The assimilation of Zn into the tomato tissues was quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The main shelf life factors affecting tomato quality, including microbial spoilage, water loss and colour change, were studied. All experimental data were incorporated through the neural networks model to simulate microbial involvement in fruit spoilage. The biological spoilage factor in the shelf life of tomatoes was projected with high accuracy and a relative error of 3%. Application of ZnO-NPs was associated with 47% inhibition of microbial growth on tomatoes, which may enhance the total lycopene content by up to 6%. In addition, the Zn content of tomatoes was significantly enhanced by 17%. The results also shed light on the thermal conductivity of Zn metal, which increased the dehydration of tomatoes and improved colour maturation. This study provides vital information about the beneficial application of ZnO-NPs and their role in mineralisation to enhance the shelf life of tomatoes.
Keywords: alkaline soils, foliar, minerals, mineralisation, nanotechnology, tomato, shelf-life, ZnO-NPs, zinc.
References
Agarwal H, Kumar SV, Rajeshkumar S (2017) A review on green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: an eco-friendly approach. Resource-Efficient Technologies 3, 406–413.| A review on green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: an eco-friendly approach.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ahmed B, Syed A, Rizvi A, Shahid M, Bahkali AH, Khan MS, Musarrat J (2021) Impact of metal-oxide nanoparticles on growth, physiology and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) modulated by Azotobacter salinestris strain ASM. Environmental Pollution 269, 116218
| Impact of metal-oxide nanoparticles on growth, physiology and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) modulated by Azotobacter salinestris strain ASM.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 33316490PubMed |
Akanbi-Gada MA, Ogunkunle CO, Vishwakarma V, Viswanathan K, Fatoba PO (2019) Phytotoxicity of nano-zinc oxide to tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.): Zn uptake, stress enzymes response and influence on non-enzymatic antioxidants in fruits. Environmental Technology & Innovation 14, 100325
| Phytotoxicity of nano-zinc oxide to tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.): Zn uptake, stress enzymes response and influence on non-enzymatic antioxidants in fruits.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ali J, Mazumder JA, Perwez M, Sardar M (2021) Antimicrobial effect of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by different methods against food borne pathogens and phytopathogens. Materials Today: Proceedings 36, 609–615.
| Antimicrobial effect of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by different methods against food borne pathogens and phytopathogens.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Allende A, McEvoy J, Tao Y, Luo YJFC (2009) Antimicrobial effect of acidified sodium chlorite, sodium chlorite, sodium hypochlorite, and citric acid on Escherichia coli O157: H7 and natural microflora of fresh-cut cilantro. Food Control 20, 230–234.
| Antimicrobial effect of acidified sodium chlorite, sodium chlorite, sodium hypochlorite, and citric acid on Escherichia coli O157: H7 and natural microflora of fresh-cut cilantro.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Alloway B (2009) Soil factors associated with zinc deficiency in crops and humans. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 31, 537–548.
| Soil factors associated with zinc deficiency in crops and humans.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19291414PubMed |
Amin KM, Partila AM, Abd El‐Rehim HA, Deghiedy NM (2020) Antimicrobial ZnO nanoparticle–doped polyvinyl alcohol/pluronic blends as active food packaging films. Particle & Particle Systems Characterization 37, 2000006
| Antimicrobial ZnO nanoparticle–doped polyvinyl alcohol/pluronic blends as active food packaging films.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Awan S, Shahzadi K, Javad S, Tariq A, Ahmad A, Ilyas S (2021) A preliminary study of influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth parameters of Brassica oleracea var italic. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences 20, 18–24.
| A preliminary study of influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth parameters of Brassica oleracea var italic.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bagheri M, He X, Oustriere N, Liu W, Shi H, Limmer MA, Burken JG (2021) Investigating plant uptake of organic contaminants through transpiration stream concentration factor and neural network models. The Science of the Total Environment 751, 141418
| Investigating plant uptake of organic contaminants through transpiration stream concentration factor and neural network models.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 33181989PubMed |
Barrett DM, Anthon G (2008) Color quality of tomato products and processed foods. ASC Symposiunm Serties 983, 131–139.
Bieberstein A, Roosen J, Marette S, Blanchemanche S, Vandermoere F (2013) Consumer choices for nano-food and nano-packaging in France and Germany. European Review of Agriculture Economics 40, 73–94.
| Consumer choices for nano-food and nano-packaging in France and Germany.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Biswas K, Mohanta YK, Kumar VB, Hashem A, Abd_Allah EF, Mohanta D, Mohanta TK (2020) Nutritional assessment study and role of green silver nanoparticles in shelf-life of coconut endosperm to develop as functional food. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 27, 1280–1288.
| Nutritional assessment study and role of green silver nanoparticles in shelf-life of coconut endosperm to develop as functional food.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 32346336PubMed |
Campestrini LH, Melo PS, Peres LEP, Calhelha RC, Ferreira ICFR, Alencar SM (2019) A new variety of purple tomato as a rich source of bioactive carotenoids and its potential health benefits. Heliyon 5, e02831
| A new variety of purple tomato as a rich source of bioactive carotenoids and its potential health benefits.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31763483PubMed |
Caseiro M, Ascenso A, Costa A, Creagh-Flynn J, Johnson M, Simões S (2020) Lycopene in human health. Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft + Technologie 127, 109323
| Lycopene in human health.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Chi H, Song S, Luo M, Zhang C, Li W, Li L, Qin Y (2019) Effect of PLA nanocomposite films containing bergamot essential oil, TiO2 nanoparticles, and Ag nanoparticles on shelf life of mangoes. Scientia Horticulturae 249, 192–198.
| Effect of PLA nanocomposite films containing bergamot essential oil, TiO2 nanoparticles, and Ag nanoparticles on shelf life of mangoes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Chitarra W, Decastelli L, Garibaldi A, Gullino ML (2014) Potential uptake of Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Listeria monocytogenes from growth substrate into leaves of salad plants and basil grown in soil irrigated with contaminated water. International Journal of Microbiology 189, 139–145.
| Potential uptake of Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Listeria monocytogenes from growth substrate into leaves of salad plants and basil grown in soil irrigated with contaminated water.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Du W, Yang J, Peng Q, Liang X, Mao H (2019) Comparison study of zinc nanoparticles and zinc sulphate on wheat growth: from toxicity and zinc biofortification. Chemosphere 227, 109–116.
| Comparison study of zinc nanoparticles and zinc sulphate on wheat growth: from toxicity and zinc biofortification.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30986592PubMed |
Espitia PJP, Soares NFF, Coimbra JSR, de Andrade NJ, Cruz RS, Medeiros EAAJF, Technology B (2012) Zinc oxide nanoparticles: synthesis. Antimicrobial Activity and Food Packaging Applications 5, 1447–1464.
Fang Y, Wang L, Xin Z, Zhao L, An X, Hu Q (2008) Effect of foliar application of zinc, selenium, and iron fertilizers on nutrients concentration and yield of rice grain in China. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 56, 2079–2084.
| Effect of foliar application of zinc, selenium, and iron fertilizers on nutrients concentration and yield of rice grain in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18311920PubMed |
FDA (2016) Annual Report: research accomplishments and plans. National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA.
García-López JI, Niño-Medina G, Olivares-Sáenz E, Lira-Saldivar RH, Barriga-Castro ED, Vázquez-Alvarado R, Rodríguez-Salinas PA, Zavala-García F (2019) Foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc sulfate boosts the content of bioactive compounds in Habanero peppers. Plants 8, 254
| Foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc sulfate boosts the content of bioactive compounds in Habanero peppers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hussain A, Ali S, Rizwan M, Zia ur Rehman M, Javed MR, Imran M, Chatha SAS, Nazir R (2018) Zinc oxide nanoparticles alter the wheat physiological response and reduce the cadmium uptake by plants. Environmental Pollution 242, 1518–1526.
| Zinc oxide nanoparticles alter the wheat physiological response and reduce the cadmium uptake by plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30144725PubMed |
Jaiswala L, Shankara S, Rhima J-W (2019) Applications of nanotechnology in food microbiology. Nanotechnology 46, 43
Kouhi SMM, Lahouti M, Ganjeali A, Entezari MH (2015) Long-term exposure of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) to ZnO nanoparticles: anatomical and ultrastructural responses. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International 22, 10733–10743.
| Long-term exposure of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) to ZnO nanoparticles: anatomical and ultrastructural responses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kumar R, Umar A, Kumar G, Nalwa HS (2017) Antimicrobial properties of ZnO nanomaterials: a review. Ceramics International 43, 3940–3961.
| Antimicrobial properties of ZnO nanomaterials: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kumari L (2020)
Lewicka ZA, William WY, Oliva BL, Contreras EQ, Colvin VL (2013) Photochemical behavior of nanoscale TiO2 and ZnO sunscreen ingredients. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry 263, 24–33.
| Photochemical behavior of nanoscale TiO2 and ZnO sunscreen ingredients.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Li N, Wu X, Zhuang W, Xia L, Chen Y, Wu C, Rao Z, Du L, Zhao R, Yi M, Wan Q, Zhou Y (2020) Tomato and lycopene and multiple health outcomes: umbrella review. Food Chemistry 343, 128396
Medina-Velo IA, Zuverza-Mena N, Tamez C, Ye Y, Hernandez-Viezcas JA, White JC, Peralta-Videa JR, Gardea-Torresdey JL (2018) Minimal transgenerational effect of ZnO nanomaterials on the physiology and nutrient profile of Phaseolus vulgaris. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 6, 7924–7930.
| Minimal transgenerational effect of ZnO nanomaterials on the physiology and nutrient profile of Phaseolus vulgaris.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Mehrian N, Mohsen S, Naei MH, Mehrian SZ (2013) Dynamic response for a functionally graded rectangular plate subjected to thermal shock based on LS theory. Applied Mechanics and Materials 332, 381–395.
Mishra S, Keswani C, Abhilash P, Fraceto LF, Singh HB (2017) Integrated approach of agri-nanotechnology: challenges and future trends. Frontiers in Plant Science 8, 471
| Integrated approach of agri-nanotechnology: challenges and future trends.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28421100PubMed |
Muthuvel A, Jothibas M, Manoharan C (2020) Effect of chemically synthesis compared to biosynthesized ZnO-NPs using Solanum nigrum leaf extract and their photocatalytic, antibacterial and in-vitro antioxidant activity. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 8, 103705
| Effect of chemically synthesis compared to biosynthesized ZnO-NPs using Solanum nigrum leaf extract and their photocatalytic, antibacterial and in-vitro antioxidant activity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Noori A, Ngo A, Gutierrez P, Theberge S, White JC (2020) Silver nanoparticle detection and accumulation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Journal of Nanoparticle Research 22, 131
| Silver nanoparticle detection and accumulation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Popescu M-C, Balas VE, Perescu-Popescu L, Mastorakis N (2009) Multilayer perceptron and neural networks. WSEAS Transactions on Circuits and Systems 8, 579–588.
Rathinavel T, Ammashi S, Marimuthu S (2020) Optimization of zinc oxide nanoparticles biosynthesis from Crateva adansonii using Box-Behnken design and its antimicrobial activity. Chemical Data Collections 30, 100581
| Optimization of zinc oxide nanoparticles biosynthesis from Crateva adansonii using Box-Behnken design and its antimicrobial activity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Rawashdeh RY, Harb AM, AlHasan AM (2020) Biological interaction levels of zinc oxide nanoparticles; lettuce seeds as case study. Heliyon 6, e03983
| Biological interaction levels of zinc oxide nanoparticles; lettuce seeds as case study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 32509982PubMed |
Rossi L, Fedenia LN, Sharifan H, Ma X, Lombardini L (2019) Effects of foliar application of zinc sulfate and zinc nanoparticles in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 135, 160–166.
| Effects of foliar application of zinc sulfate and zinc nanoparticles in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30553137PubMed |
Salehi H, De Diego N, Rad AC, Benjamin JJ, Trevisan M, Lucini L (2021) Exogenous application of ZnO nanoparticles and ZnSO4 distinctly influence the metabolic response in Phaseolus vulgaris L. The Science of the Total Environment 778, 146331
| Exogenous application of ZnO nanoparticles and ZnSO4 distinctly influence the metabolic response in Phaseolus vulgaris L.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 33725605PubMed |
Salem E, Nawito M, El-Raouf Ahmed A (2019) Effect of silver nano-particles on gray mold of tomato fruits. Journal of Nanotechnology Research 1, 108–118.
Sandei L, Stingone C, Vitelli R, Cocconi E, Zanotti A, Zoni C (2018) Processing tomato by-products re-use, secondary raw material for tomato product with new functionality. Acta Horticulturae 255–260.
| Processing tomato by-products re-use, secondary raw material for tomato product with new functionality.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Saravanakumar K, Hu X, Chelliah R, Oh D-H, Kathiresan K, Wang M-H (2020) Biogenic silver nanoparticles-polyvinylpyrrolidone based glycerosomes coating to expand the shelf life of fresh-cut bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum (L.) Sendt). Postharvest Biology and Technology 160, 111039
| Biogenic silver nanoparticles-polyvinylpyrrolidone based glycerosomes coating to expand the shelf life of fresh-cut bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum (L.) Sendt).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sharifan H, Ma X (2017) Potential photochemical interactions of UV filter molecules with multichlorinated structure of prymnesins in harmful algal bloom events. Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry 14, 391–399.
| Potential photochemical interactions of UV filter molecules with multichlorinated structure of prymnesins in harmful algal bloom events.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sharifan H, Ma X, Moore JM, Habib MR, Evans C (2019) Zinc oxide nanoparticles alleviated the bioavailability of cadmium and lead and changed the uptake of iron in hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. Longifolia). ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 7, 16401–16409.
| Zinc oxide nanoparticles alleviated the bioavailability of cadmium and lead and changed the uptake of iron in hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. Longifolia).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sharifan H, Moore J, Ma X (2020a) Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles elevated iron and copper contents and mitigated the bioavailability of lead and cadmium in different leafy greens. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 191, 110177
| Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles elevated iron and copper contents and mitigated the bioavailability of lead and cadmium in different leafy greens.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31958627PubMed |
Sharifan H, Wang X, Ma X (2020b) Impact of nanoparticle surface charge and phosphate on the uptake of coexisting cerium oxide nanoparticles and cadmium by soybean (Glycine max (L.) merr.). International Journal of Phytoremediation 22, 305–312.
| Impact of nanoparticle surface charge and phosphate on the uptake of coexisting cerium oxide nanoparticles and cadmium by soybean (Glycine max (L.) merr.).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31468994PubMed |
Sileika TS, Barrett DG, Zhang R, Lau KHA, Messersmith PB (2013) Colorless multifunctional coatings inspired by polyphenols found in tea, chocolate, and wine. Angewandte Chemie International Edition 52, 10766–10770.
| Colorless multifunctional coatings inspired by polyphenols found in tea, chocolate, and wine.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24027124PubMed |
Singh M, Sahareen T (2017) Investigation of cellulosic packets impregnated with silver nanoparticles for enhancing shelf-life of vegetables. Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft + Technologie 86, 116–122.
| Investigation of cellulosic packets impregnated with silver nanoparticles for enhancing shelf-life of vegetables.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Singh A, Singh NB, Afzal S, Singh T, Hussain I (2018) Zinc oxide nanoparticles: a review of their biological synthesis, antimicrobial activity, uptake, translocation and biotransformation in plants. Journal of Materials Science 53, 185–201.
| Zinc oxide nanoparticles: a review of their biological synthesis, antimicrobial activity, uptake, translocation and biotransformation in plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sirelkhatim A, Mahmud S, Seeni A, Kaus NHM, Ann LC, Bakhori SKM, Hasan H, Mohamad D (2015) Review on zinc oxide nanoparticles: antibacterial activity and toxicity mechanism. Nano-Micro Letters 7, 219–242.
| Review on zinc oxide nanoparticles: antibacterial activity and toxicity mechanism.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30464967PubMed |
Sogvar OB, Saba MK, Emamifar A, Hallaj R (2016) Influence of nano-ZnO on microbial growth, bioactive content and postharvest quality of strawberries during storage. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies 35, 168–176.
| Influence of nano-ZnO on microbial growth, bioactive content and postharvest quality of strawberries during storage.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stafford SL, Bokil NJ, Achard ME, Kapetanovic R, Schembri MA, McEwan AG, Sweet MJ (2013) Metal ions in macrophage antimicrobial pathways: emerging roles for zinc and copper. Bioscience Reports 33, e00049
| Metal ions in macrophage antimicrobial pathways: emerging roles for zinc and copper.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23738776PubMed |
Vieira ACF, de Matos Fonseca J, Menezes NMC, Monteiro AR, Valencia GA (2020) Active coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and silver nanoparticles to extend the papaya (Carica papaya L.) shelf life. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 164, 489–498.
| Active coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and silver nanoparticles to extend the papaya (Carica papaya L.) shelf life.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 32693130PubMed |
Wang K, Wen H-F, Yu D-G, Yang Y, Zhang D-F (2018a) Electrosprayed hydrophilic nanocomposites coated with shellac for colon-specific delayed drug delivery. Materials & Design 143, 248–255.
| Electrosprayed hydrophilic nanocomposites coated with shellac for colon-specific delayed drug delivery.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wang X, Sun W, Zhang S, Sharifan H, Ma X (2018b) Elucidating the effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanoparticles on arsenic uptake and speciation in rice (Oryza sativa) in a hydroponic system. Environmental Science & Technology 52, 10040–10047.
| Elucidating the effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanoparticles on arsenic uptake and speciation in rice (Oryza sativa) in a hydroponic system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wen Y, Yuan J, Ma X, Wang S, Liu Y (2019) Polymeric nanocomposite membranes for water treatment: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters 17, 1539–1551.
| Polymeric nanocomposite membranes for water treatment: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
