The use of pullulan coating enriched with plant extracts from Satureja hortensis L. to maintain pepper and apple quality and safety

•Extracts from Satureja hortensis showed antimicrobial activity.•Pullulan coating enriched with SH extract controlled harmful microflora.•Pullulan coating reduced weight loss and extended shelf-life of peppers and apples.

This study determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) of water and ethanol Satureja hortensis (SH) extract, as well as the antimicrobial activity of pullulan films with an addition of the extracts against test strains. The pullulan coating with an addition of water SH extract was also applied pepper and apple fruit. The concentration of bioactive compounds in the extracts was assessed using HPLC. The analysis included the effect of pullulan coating with water SH extract on weight loss and color change in peppers during storage at 16 °C/14 days, and 16 °C/28 days, and apples at 16 °C/14 days, and 2 °C/28 days. A microscopic image of the coating on materials was evaluated and sensory analysis performed. Polyphenolic compounds from phenolic acid and flavone families were identified in the extracts, and higher levels of phenolic compounds (p < 0.05) were found in the water extract. The activity of pullulan films with SH extracts increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the increase in SH extract concentration (5%, 10% and 20%). Pullulan films with water SH extract inhibited the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Penicillium expansum more strongly than was the case with those films with an ethanol SH extract. Moreover, coating application resulted in a decrease in weight loss and an extension of storage time, and also protected the material against excessive wilting and wrinkling on the surface, maintaining freshness and consumer appeal.