Effect of alginate coating combined with yeast antagonist on strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) preservation quality

A novel edible bio-film was prepared and its effects on preserving strawberries were investigated. The film covering the fruit surface contained Cryptococcus laurentii (109 cfu mL(-1)) in combination with alginate (2%, w/v), glycerol (2%, w/v), palmitic acid (0.5%, w/v), glycerol monostearate (0.5%, w/v), and beta-cyclodextrin (0.5%, w/v). Microorganism viability of the bio-film underwent no obvious change during 20 d storage. Furthermore, the addition of C laurentii as antagonist in the films aided inhibition of mold growth, and maintenance of strawberry commercial quality throughout storage. Sodium alginate film entrapped with C laurentii had no significant effects on external color parameters and anthocyanins of strawberries during storage. in contrast, it significantly reduced microbial decay, decreased weight loss, maintained the firmness of the strawberries, and improved the quality and storage properties of the fruit. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.