Employing Chitosan-coated Putrescine Nanocomposite for Preserving Kiwifruit Quality During Cold Storage

In this study, putrescine coated with chitosan nanocomposite (CS-Put-N) was used for delaying senescence and preserving the quality of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruits during storage at 1 °C for 90 days. Results showed that kiwifruits treated with CS-Put‑N exhibited higher membrane integrity as shown by lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes could be responsible for lower hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation along with higher ascorbic acid (AsA) accumulation in kiwifruits during cold storage. In addition, CS-Put‑N treatment improved phenols and flavonoids accumulation and enhanced DPPH scavenging capacity in kiwifruits during cold storage. Furthermore, kiwifruits treated with CS-Put‑N exhibited higher proline accumulation during cold storage. The findings of present study suggested that the application of CS-Put‑N could be a viable and effective approach for delaying senescence and preserving the quality of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruits during cold storage.