Preparation and characterization of chitosan/zein film loaded with lemon essential oil: Effects on postharvest quality of mushroom (Agaricus bisporus).

Abstract In this study, different concentrations of lemon essential oils (LEO) were incorporated into chitosan/zein complex film (C/Z/L films) to improve its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, and the effects of C/Z/L films on mushroom quality were evaluated at 4 °C for 12 d. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of C/Z films were effectively improved by addition of LEO in a concentration-dependent manner. What's more, EAB value and gas permeability increased while TS value and water vapor permeability decreased upon the gradual increase of LEO content. During the entire storage, C/Z/L films were effective in suppressing PPO and POD activity of mushrooms as well as inhibiting the growth of microorganism. Mushrooms packaged with the film containing 6% LEO showed the lowest browning index and respiration rate. In addition, the C/Z/L film-treated mushrooms exhibited higher antioxidant capacity and more satisfactory texture properties. The results of our study presented that C/Z active film loaded with LEO could be used to maintain the postharvest quality of mushrooms.