Effect of polymer nanosilver composite packaging on long-term microbiological status of Iranian saffron (Crocus sativus L.)‎

Abstract EN

Crocus sativus L.

(saffron) is a valuable plant which is native to Iran.

Saffron is the dried stigmata of the flowering part of the plant that is usually contaminated with different bacteria and fungi through production process.

Antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles are well recognized.

To survey the effects of nanosilver packaging on microbiological status of spiked, saffron samples over a six month period were chosen.

Saffron samples from five regions of Khorasan province were purchased and de novo frequencies of microbial contaminants were determined using standard procedures.

Totally 35 g of saffron was spiked with known numbers of four bacterial and two fungal species and packaged into one gram packets.

The packaging materials consisted of polyethylene polymers containing 0, 400, 800, 1200 or 4000 ppm nanosilver (as Ag).

Total and differential numbers of spiked microorganisms in the packaged saffrons were enumerated at initial and at six time points of seven, 14, 28, 64, 90 and 180 days.

Baird-Parker agar (BP agar), Kenner Fecal (KF), Salmonella–Shigella agar (SS agar), Violet Red Bile Glucose Agar (VRBGA), and Sabouraud Dextrose agar (SD agar) media were used for enumeration of the six spiked microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella Enteritidis, Enterobacter species and Escherichia coli, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus flavus, respectively.

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