Physical properties and antifungal activity of bioactive films containing Wickerhamomyces anomalus killer yeast and their application for preservation of oranges and control of postharvest green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum

• Sodium alginate and locust bean gum films incorporating killer yeast were developed.
• More than 85% of the initial yeast population survived after incorporation to polysaccharide films.
• Bioactive films inhibited the growth of Penicillium digitatum in synthetic medium.
• Coatings containing yeast reduced weight and firmness losses of ‘Valencia’ oranges.
• Bioactive coatings reduced green mold in inoculated oranges by more than 73%.

This study assessed the ability of two bio-based films, obtained from sodium alginate (NaAlg) and locust bean gum (LBG), to protect the viability of Wickerhamomyces anomalus cells and control the growth of Penicillium digitatum. The effect of microbial cell incorporation on physical properties of the developed films was evaluated in terms of barrier, mechanical and optical properties. Furthermore, the application of these two matrices as bioactive coatings was investigated in order to evaluate their efficacy in preserving the postharvest quality of ‘Valencia’ oranges and inhibiting the growth of P. digitatum on artificially inoculated fruits. Results showed that NaAlg and LBG films were able to maintain more than 85% of the initial W. anomalus yeast population and that the developed films incorporating the killer yeast completely inhibited the growth of P. digitatum in synthetic medium. Likewise, NaAlg and LBG coatings enriched with W. anomalus yeast were effective at reducing weight loss and maintaining firmness of ‘Valencia’ oranges during storage, and reduced green mold in inoculated fruits by more than 73% after 13 days.