Stress response of fresh-cut potatoes to laser irradiation before processing can prevent discoloration and maintain overall quality

Abstract

Browning is accepted as a main factor affecting quality of fresh cut products. Physical treatments maintaining quality of fresh-cut products have been recently considered by consumer safer than chemical treatments. This study investigated whether preprocess diode laser irradiation can improve the physicochemical quality of fresh-cut potatoes. Laser irradiation at a 450-nm wavelength for 30 min prevented the browning of potato slices during short-term storage at 25 °C. Compared with no treatment, preprocess laser irradiation preserved the appearance and whiteness and inhibited browning and delayed weight loss in potato slices when refrigerated at 4 °C for 96 h. The increases in the total phenol concentration and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD) activities of fresh-cut potatoes were diminished after laser irradiation. Moreover, the laser irradiation also enhanced antioxidant activities in the samples. The expression of PAL, PPO and POD genes was suppressed by the laser treatment. Therefore, the laser irradiation at 450 nm wavelength for 30 min effectively eliminates discolouration and improves quality of sliced potatoes during cold storage.