Effect of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Cold Plasma on the Bio-nanocomposite Film and its Potential to Preserve the Quality of Strawberry under Modified Atmosphere Packaging

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold plasma on the developed bio-nanocomposite film. A dielectric barrier discharge system was utilized to generate the cold plasma. The films were treated under three different times (5, 10 and 15 min) and the characteristics of the films were evaluated. The cold plasma treatment influence the thermal stability and crystallization of the films. Results showed that the mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation at break), water vapor permeability, oxygen transmission rate, moisture content and water contact angle characteristics were improved up to 69%, 31%, 34%, 3% and 28%, respectively by cold plasma treatment. In consequence, the average O₂ and CO₂ concentration of the packed strawberries decreased from 5 and 10% to 4.2% and 5.1%, respectively after 15 days. Finally, the results revealed that the mechanical properties, chemical attributes, physical characteristics and microbial activities of the samples were affected by the treated films. As a result, cold plasma modification can be applied as an effective method to maintain and preservation of fresh fruit.