Article 2025 · 6 citations

Pullulan coating enhances postharvest quality retention and extends shelf life of Chinese plums by regulating enzymatic activity and gene expression related to ROS scavenging and cell wall metabolism

Ali, Muhammad Moaaz, Zhang, Ziyang, Liang, Xi, Ali, Sajid, Ejaz, Shaghef, Maryam, Ayesha, Ibrahim, Muhammad, Ercisli, Sezai, Chen, Faxing

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of 5 % pullulan (PUL)-based edible coating to extend the shelf life and maintain the postharvest quality of 'Furongli' plums stored at 25 +/- 2 degrees C and 75-80 % relative humidity for 12 days. PUL-coated plums exhibited 31 and 72.7 % lower weight loss rate and disease incidence compared to uncoated plums after 12 days of storage, respectively. The coating significantly reduced oxidative stress markers, including MDA (22 %), H2O2 (25.3 %), and O-2(center dot-) (25.1 %), while improving membrane integrity by reducing electrolyte leakage by 18 %. Additionally, the coating delayed carotenoid degradation by 81.3 % and preserved the fruit's visual appearance by reducing hue and chroma changes by 31.7 % and 30.8 %, respectively. Firmness was better maintained, along with reduced respiration and ethylene production in coated plums. Biochemical analysis revealed that PUL coatings enhanced antioxidant defense by increasing both the activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, and CAT) and maintained higher levels of ascorbic acid, total phenolics, flavonoids, and overall antioxidant activity. The coating preserved cell wall components like hemicellulose, cellulose, and protopectin while limiting increases in water-soluble pectin, thus delaying fruit softening. Additionally, PUL coating reduced activities and gene expression of pectin-degrading enzymes (PME and PG). Quality parameters, including TSS, TTA, and TSS-acid ratios, remained stable in coated fruits, ensuring better flavor and marketability. Overall, the study highlights the potential of PUL-based coatings for large-scale postharvest application, offering a sustainable and effective solution to extend fruit shelf life and reduce storage losses.

Keywords

Aureobasidium pullulans Prunus salicina Polysaccharide Postharvest quality Pectin metabolism EDIBLE COATINGS ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY CHILLING INJURY FRUIT-QUALITY COLD-STORAGE ACID FILMS FRESH L. POLYSACCHARIDES

WoS Categories

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Chemistry, Applied Polymer Science

Citation

Journal: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
Year: 2025
Volume: 309
ISSN: 0141-8130
eISSN: 1879-0003
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.143020
WoS UID: WOS:001469941200001

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