This work focuses on surface modification of polyethylene films by ammonium persulphate/ferric nitrate mixtures and coating of silver nanoparticles on the surface of treated film. For this purpose, the surface of polyethylene film was treated with ammonium persulphate/ferric nitrate mixtures and then the modified polymeric film was immersed
in a solution of silver nanoparticles that was synthesized by plant extract reduction of silver salt using mango peel extract. The antimicrobial activity of silver/polyethylene nanocomposite was evaluated and then it was used as an active package to extend shelf life of strawberry during storage at 4°C. The obtained results showed that, silver/polyethylene nanocomposite film has high antimicrobial properties against Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonase aeroginosa and Fusarium oxysporum. Finally, the strawberry storage indicated that, strawberry rapped in silver/polyethylene
nanocomposite had values of weight loss, pH and total aerobic bacteria count as well as yeast and mold count lower than other samples(unwrapped and wrapped in native polyethylene).