From:  Nanotechnology and postharvest science of fresh crops: applications and prospects

 Examples of types, synthesis methods, applications, crops, and efficiency of some nanomaterials packaging used in postharvest preservation of fresh crops.

MaterialsSynthesis and typesApplicationsEffectsReferences
OrganicsChitosan nanoparticles–ChNPs (Ionic gelation method)Edible coating of fresh crops (e.g., pineapple, banana, coriander, basil)Shelf-life extension, preserve freshness, and control of microbial growth [104–107]
Nanoemulsion-based (emulsion + ultrasonication, high-pressure homogenization and microfluidization methods)Edible coating of fresh crops (e.g., apple, tomato, banana)Preserve freshness, control of microbial growth[108–113]
Cellulose nanocrystals–CNCs (melting and acid hydrolysis methods)Edible coating of fresh crops (e.g., pear, nectarine, strawberry)Control of microbial growth [114–118]
Lipid–LNs and solid-lipid nanoparticles–SLNsEdible coating of fresh crops (e.g., guava, tomato)Shelf-life extension[119, 120]
InorganicsSilver-based nanoparticles–AgNPs (co-precipitation, sol-gel and microwave irradiation methods)Edible coating (apricot, grapes, mulberry leaf)Shelf-life extension, control of microbial spoilage[121–126]
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles–TiO-NPs (Solvothermal and microwave irradiation methods)Edible coating (e.g., cucumber, peach, blackcurrantShelf-life extension, ethylene decomposition[127–131]
Copper oxide nanoparticles CuO NPs (co-precipitation, sol-gel and sonochemical methods)Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (e.g., tomato, avocado, mango)Gas diffusion barrier, control of microbial growth[132–135]
Zinc oxide nanoparticles–ZnO NPs (co-precipitation and sol-gel methods)MAP, edible coating (e.g., tomato, banana, mango, strawberry)Shelf-life extension, control of microbial growth[136–141]
Graphene oxide–GOMAP, edible coating (e.g., mango, apple, plum)Shelf-life extension, control of microbial growth[142–146]
Carbon nanotubes–CNTs (chemical vapor deposition, arc discharge and laser ablation methods)MAP, edible coating (e.g., jujube, avocado, litchi)Shelf-life extension, control of microbial growth[147–152]
HybridsZnO/CuO nanoparticle-biopolymer-based; chitosan-graphene oxide nanoparticles-beeswax
TiO2/SiO2 nanoparticles–gum arabic (electrospinning, extrusion, LbL assembly, sol-gel mixing and solution-casting/mixing methods)
MAP, edible coating (e.g., guava, sapota, dates)Shelf-life extension, control of microbial growth[153–155]