Nonlinear subgrid-scale models employing the non-persistence-of-straining tensor

•Nonlinear subgrid models using the non-persistence-of-straining tensors are proposed.•A priori tests using DNS are performed for turbulent plane channel flows.•Anisotropy of the subgrid scales is remarkably well captured by the proposed models.•The modeled stress tensor improved the representation of the nearwall region.