Evaluation of the antioxidant/antimicrobial performance of Posidonia oceanica in comparison with three commercial natural extracts and as a treatment on fresh-cut peaches (Prunus persica Batsch)

• Plants extract were tested in vitro to determine antioxidant/antimicrobial activity.
• P. oceanica showed the highest total phenolic content and antifungal activity.
• Green tea extract showed the highest antioxidant and antibacterial activities.
• Posidonia and green tea extracts were applied on ready-to-eat peaches by dipping.
• Posidonia maintained peach pomological traits and reduced microbial population.

This research aimed at extending the choice of natural antimicrobials/antioxidants for food applications. Four plant extracts, Posidonia oceanica (PO), Green Tea (GT), Grape seeds (GS) and Grape skin (GK), were analyzed to determine their total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and in vitro antimicrobial performance. PO extract showed the highest total phenolic content (711 mg gallic acid/g extract) and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum. The highest antioxidant (3.81 mg/L EC50) and antibacterial activities (bactericidal against Gram positives and bacteriostatic against Gram negatives) were found for GT extract.The best performing extracts (PO and GT) were applied by dipping on peach slices in storage trials. Microbiological and pomological parameters were evaluated during 7 d storage. Total aerobic count, Pseudomonas as well as yeasts and moulds populations, were reduced by about 0.5 log cfu/g, mainly up to 5 d in all treated samples compared to the control. Total soluble solids, titratable acidity and colour (L*a*b*) changes were also delayed in treated fruit.