Chitosan based coatings extend the shelf-life of beef slices during refrigerated storage

Abstract Chitosan is a food additive with antibacterial and antioxidant activities, ɛ-polylysine has antibacterial activity, and glutathione has potent antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chitosan based coatings combined with ɛ-polylysine and glutathione (0.5% chitosan + 0.2% ɛ-polylysine + 0.1% glutathione) on preservation of beef slices during refrigerated storage. The beef slices treated with chitosan based coatings combined with ɛ-polylysine and glutathione had lower bacterial growth, pH value, total volatile basic nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values as well as higher red index and sensory quality than those of the control group during refrigerated storage. Treatment with chitosan based coatings combined with ɛ-polylysine and glutathione extended the shelf life of the treatment groups at least 6 days compared to the control group. The results indicated that chitosan based coatings combined with ɛ-polylysine and glutathione could be a promising method to extend the shelf-life of beef slices quality during refrigerated storage.