Control of blue mold decay on Persian lime: Application of covalently cross-linked arabinoxylans bioactive coatings with antagonistic yeast entrapped

- AX matrix maintains yeasts viability and improves antifungal activity.
- Presence of yeast did not affect the barrier properties of films.
- Bioactive coatings prevent infection by Penicillium italicum during storage.
- Bioactive coatings preserve postharvest quality of limes.

A novel edible film and coating with antagonistic yeast in arabinoxylan (AX) matrix was prepared and its effects on preserving against fungus infection on limes were investigated. The effect of yeast cell incorporation of developed films was evaluated in terms of viability, biocontrol activity and barrier properties. Furthermore, the application of AX as bioactive coatings was investigated in order to evaluate their efficacy to preserve postharvest quality and prevent or cure infection by Penicillium italicum during storage. Results revealed AX as a matrix compatible with D. hansenii and able to maintain more than 97% viability of the initial inoculum at temperatures tested, films with antagonistic yeast are capable to inhibit the growth of P. italicum in vitro. Presence of yeast did not change water vapor permeability on films. Viability of yeasts was preserved on coated limes on 100%. Preventive application of treatments was more effective than curative applications in the control of blue mold decay. Yeast added coatings were effective at reducing weight loss and had no effect on limes color. This study demonstrates the potential application of bioactive AX coatings with D. hansenii as an alternative of postharvest disease management.