Effect of different voltages of dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma sterilization on the quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during cryopreservation

In this study, the effect of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cold plasma at different voltages (60, 70, and 80 kV) on the freshness and quality changes of rainbow trout was investigated. The results showed that the voltage of DBD was negatively and positively correlated with the total viable counts and degree of lipid oxidation, respectively. Based on the magnitudes of TVC and TVB-N, it was observed that the 70 kV DBD treatment extended the shelf life of fillets by at least 2 days. Furthermore, texture softening due to the extension of storage time was alleviated by the DBD treatment. Under 70 kV DBD treatment, the degree of myofibril fragmentation and the leaching of small molecule peptides were reduced. Microstructure analysis revealed that the DBD treatment delayed the textural deterioration during cryopreservation. Taken together, the shelf life of fillets could be extended by 70 kV DBD treatment, while its freshness and quality could be well maintained.