Green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles from C. aurantiifolia peel extract have the potential to preserve strawberries.

Green production of metal oxide nanoparticles has attracted significant interest recently due to its economic and environmental benefits. It has several advantages, which include reduced energy consumption, minimal use of toxic chemicals, biodegradability, and the potential for large-scale production. The focus of this study was on the environmentally friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from C. aurantifolia peel extract (SNP) and on utilizing them as a coating for strawberry preservation. SNPs were synthesized, characterized, and compared with commercial ZnO nanoparticles (CNP). SNP and CNPs morphology, structure, and stability were characterized by UV – Spectrum, FT-IR, and XRD SEM – EDAX. The results revealed that SNP had a similar crystal structure to CNP, but a higher crystallinity and a larger particle size. SNP and CNP had similar minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against V. cholerae and C. albicans. When SNP and CNP were incorporated into carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC) and coated onto fresh strawberries, both coatings significantly reduced weight loss and the rate of rotting. Thus, SNP improved storage quality and can be applied as a nanocoating on fresh strawberries to evaluate its preservation effect, offering an opportunity to increase the value of agricultural waste.