Bioactive compounds and enzymatic activity in minimally processed eggplant packedunderactive modified atmosphere

The study aimed to assess bioactive compounds and polyphenoloxidase activity of minimally processed eggplants stored in different atmospheres. Eggplants (Solanum melongena L.; cv. Cica) were minimally processed (MP), sanitized and treated with a 2% citric acid solution. They were packed in plastic containers (vacuum) of nylon + transparent polyethylene and submitted to modified atmospheres with the following concentrations of gases: control (atmospheric air), vacuum, 4% O2 + 5% CO2,4% O2 + 6% CO2, 4% O2 + 7% CO2, and 4% O2 + 8% CO2, being stored in a cold chamber (5 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 1% relative humidity) for 10 days. The analyses consisted of the total phenolic compounds, total antioxidant activity, flavonoids, and polyphenoloxidase activity. The experimental design was a completely randomized design in a 6 × 6 factorial scheme (treatment vs. storage period). The data were submitted to analysis of variance and a regression analysis was performed for storage time. The active modified atmosphere with 8% CO2 is effective in reducing the polyphenoloxidase activity in minimally processed eggplant. The contents of phenolic compounds and flavonoids of minimally processed eggplant decrease with storage.