Effects of ferulic acid grafted-chitosan hydrocolloid on the quality preservation of golden pompano (Trachinotus blochii) fillets during refrigerated storage with emphasis on lable-free proteomics

The effect of ferulic acid grafted-chitosan hydrocolloid (CS-g-FA) on the quality preservation of golden pompano fillets during refrigerated storage was investigated with emphasis on label-free proteomics analysis. It was indicated that CS-g-FA significantly inhibited spoilage bacteria growth, decreased total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content, retarded lipid and protein oxidation, and delayed water migration in fillets, thus maintaining the texture properties of fillets. In detail, CS-g-FA treatment caused the least total viable counts of 6.55 logCFU/g, TVB-N content of 21.56 mg N/100g, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value of 1.50 mg MDA/kg, and carbonyl value of 1.26 μmol/g protein, respectively, after 15 day. Furthermore, 27 shared differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) closely related with freshness were identified compared to the fresh sample. CS-g-FA inhibited structural proteins degradation, while reduced the expression of metabolic enzymes to maintain fillets quality and extend the shelf-life. Several DEPs could be identified as potential proteomics markers for golden pompano freshness assessment. Thus, CS-g-FA serve as promising coating for quality preservation of aquatic products. • Chitosan-g-ferulic acid inhibited microbial growth and retarded lipid oxidation. • Chitosan-g-ferulic acid delayed protein degradation and suppressed metabolism. • Potential markers for monitoring freshness during storage were identified by proteomics. • Chitosan-g-ferulic acid could extend the shelf life of golden pompano.