Evaluation of the postharvest quality of Agaricus bisporus packed using PVA/SG-based active packaging film containing tea tree essential oil.

In this study, an emerging type of packaging film containing polyvinyl alcohol and sesbania gum as the matrix and tea tree oil hydroxyapatite microspheres as the active ingredients was developed. The effect of this film on the postharvest quality of the Agaricus bisporus stored for 12 days at 4 °C was investigated. The experimental results revealed that the novel packaging film enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD and CAT, reduced the weight loss in the Agaricus bisporus. On the last day of storage, the hardness was 11.5 N, malondialdehyde content was 1.42 nmol/g, and the total colony count was 5.16 log₁₀ cfu/g, which were better than those of other groups, the mushrooms in this treatment group also maintained a fine whiteness appearance. According to the findings, the packaging film can effectively maintain the quality of Agaricus bisporus, thereby facilitating its use as a novel active packaging material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]