Combined effects of pulsed electric field and vacuum impregnation using chitooligosaccharide-epigallocatechin gallate conjugate on shelf-life, muscle integrity, and microbial diversity of depurated Asian green mussel

This study evaluated the combined effects of pulsed electric field (PEF), vacuum impregnation (VI), and a chitooligosaccharide-epigallocatechin gallate (CE) conjugate on the shelf-life, microbial community and histological changes on depurated Asian green mussel (AGM, Perna viridis ) during 18 days of refrigerated storage. Total viable count (TVC) of untreated AGM (Fresh AGM) exceeded 6 log CFU/g by day 6, while AGM treated with 3 % CE (CE3) had the TVC lower than the acceptable limit by day 15 (p < 0.05). Lipid oxidation, measured via PV and TBARS, was significantly lower in CE3 samples compared to Fresh AGM. Fatty acid analysis revealed that PEF and CE3 treatment did not affect the MUFA and PUFA content day 0, furthermore no major changes were noticed during the 15 days of storage. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed that PEF and CE treatment reduced the initial microbial load. In addition, reduced population of spoilage bacteria, including Aeromonas veronii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also noticed. Histological analysis showed PEF-induced tissue disruption, which could enhanced CE penetration. Thus, the combination of PEF, VI, and CE effectively extends AGM shelf-life, preserves nutritional quality, and controlled microbial growth, making it a promising hurdle technology for seafood preservation. • Asian green mussel (AGM) treated with PEF and vacuum impregnation (VI). • PEF reduces the initial microbial load of freshly harvested AGM. • Chitooligosaccharide-EGCG conjugate (CE) reduces spoilage & pathogenic bacteria. • PEF, VI and 3 % CE enhanced the shelf-life by 18 days than fresh AGM (6 days). • Nonthermal processing enhances CE penetration through mussel tissues.