Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of gelatin films incorporated with citrus seed extract on the shelf life of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets

In this study, the effects of gelatin films enriched with 2% of citrus (orange ([OSE] and lemon [LSE]) seed extracts (CSE) on the quality of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets during refrigerated storage (4 +/- 1 degrees C) for 15 days were determined. The results showed that lipid oxidation delayed in OSE and LSE groups compared with control and gelatin-film (without extract)-coated groups. According to microbial results, the addition of CSE enhanced the antimicrobial activity of gelatin films and, therefore, delayed the microbial growth. The incorporation of CSE with gelatin films showed a positive effect on the sensorial parameters of fillets. The shelf life of fillets was found as 6 days for the control, 9 days for GF group, and 12 days for both OSE and LSE groups. In conclusion, the supplementation of CSE raised the effectiveness of the gelatin films and can be recommended to maintain the quality of sea bass fillets. Practical applications Seafoods are highly perishable products and maintaining the quality of seafoods is a very important issue. As excessive citrus wastes are produced in the food industry, possible ways of their utilization are need to be searched. Citrus seed extract (CSE) was evaluated as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in prolonging the shelf life of sea bass fillets in this study. The results revealed that CSE contributed to maintain the oxidative, microbiological, and sensory quality of sea bass fillets during storage. Thus, considering the consumers concerns about the synthetic ingredients, CSE can be suggested as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial source in foods. Additionally, finding of this research could help to evaluate food wastes and the industrial usage of these products as a natural preservative.

Automated summary

The inclusion of citrus seed extract (CSE) in gelatin films improved the quality and extended the shelf life of sea bass fillets by delaying lipid oxidation and microbial growth. CSE enhanced the antimicrobial activity of the gelatin films, leading to a positive effect on the sensory parameters of the fillets. Overall, CSE supplementation was effective in maintaining the quality of sea bass fillets and can be recommended as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial source in foods.