Effects of O2/CO2 transmission rate of BOPA/LDPE or PE film on shelf life and quality attributes of fresh-cut cherry radish

This study established models coupling Pseudomonas fluorescens growth, respiration, and dynamic O2 and CO2 change to evaluate effects of O2/CO2 transmission rates (OTR/CTR) on quality attributes of fresh-cut cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. radculus pers) packed in biaxially oriented polyamide/low-density polyethylene (BOPA/LDPE) and polyethylene (PE) films during cold storage. The Baranyi model successfully modeled the growth of P. fluorescens. Microbial growth kinetics, including mu max and lambda of P. fluorescens decreased with the increased OTR/CTR level of packaging films. Starting from the 4th day-storage, the respiration rates (RRs) remained unchanged until the end of cold storage, and the plateau of RR increased with the increase in OTR/CTR levels. The O2 content was significantly lower and CO2 content was higher in BOPA/LDPE films with OTR5 and OTR48 compared with that in PE films with high OTR where O2 ingress through permeation kept high and compensated O2 consumed by respiration of fresh-cut cherry radish. The difference in dynamic gas change influenced quality attributes and sensory properties as well. The BOPA/LDPE as a high barrier film extensively maintained color, total soluble solid content, firmness, nutrients and therefore, extended shelf life of cherry radish to 12 d, which was longer than that packed in the PE films (9 d) as low barrier films. The established coupling gas exchange models conjugated to the Baranyi model could be further utilized for predicting dynamic gas change and RR of other types of fresh-cut vegetables where Pseudomonas are dominant for spoilage.

Automated summary

This study established models to evaluate the effects of O2/CO2 transmission rates (OTR/CTR) on the quality attributes of fresh-cut cherry radish during cold storage. The models successfully modeled the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens and demonstrated that microbial growth kinetics and respiration rates were influenced by OTR/CTR levels. The difference in gas change influenced the quality attributes and shelf life of cherry radish, with high barrier films maintaining better quality and extending shelf life compared to low barrier films.