Peptide-based edible coatings to control postharvest fungal spoilage of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit

Edible coatings have been applied to improve the shelf life and quality of fruit. However, little is known about the potential of bioactive peptides-based coatings for the fruit preservation. This study aimed to evaluate the anti fungal activity of edible coatings produced by incorporating bioactive peptides generated by lacto-fermentation of palm kernel cake (PKC) fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC8014 (PKCL1) and Lactobacillus fermentum ATCC9338 (PKCL2). PKCL1 and PKCL2 incorporated with 10 different polysaccharide polymers, and evaluated the antifungal activity, biodegradability and peptide releasing ability. The results showed that the edible coating produced by incorporating PKCL1 and PKCL2 in chitosan (CH) inhibited the growth of fungi that commonly infest mangoes. CH coating containing PKCL1 and PKCL2 showed prominent inhibition zones against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Botryodiplodia theobromae. The incorporation of PKCL1 and PKCL2 CH matrix significantly (p < 0.05) reduced anthracnose and stem-end rot. Furthermore, the peptide release and biodegradability of CH-based coating were significantly higher than coatings produced using 9 other polysaccharides. The incorporation of PKCL1 and PKCL2 into CH significantly altered the color and water vapor permeability polysaccharide-based films, although the swelling property was only changed marginally. Out of 10 polysaccharides testes, CH was found to be the best carrier for antifungal peptides. CH coatings containing PKCL1 and PKCL2 demonstrated a high potential to control the postharvest anthracnose and stem-end rot in mango. However, further research should be carried out, focusing on the quality and sensory properties of treated mango.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the antifungal activity of edible coatings containing bioactive peptides generated from palm kernel cake fermentation. The results showed that incorporating these peptides into chitosan-based coatings effectively inhibited the growth of fungi that infest mangoes, reducing anthracnose and stem-end rot. The chitosan-based coatings also exhibited better peptide release and biodegradability compared to other polysaccharide-based coatings. However, further research is needed to assess the sensory and quality properties of treated mangoes.