3-decen-2-one loaded zein-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose coating to delay sprouting and greening in potato tubers

Greening and sprouting are the post-harvest issues of potato tubers that decrease their marketability. This study explored the use of zein - hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) edible coatings, derived from aqueous ethanol polymer solutions that were loaded with 3-decen-2-one, to delay the sprouting and greening of potato tubers stored at 22 ℃ and 75% relative humidity (RH). The storage period lasted up to 2 weeks, with 12 h of daily light exposure. The results demonstrated that the zein-HPMC coating containing 3-decen-2-one effectively inhibited greening and sprouting, decreasing the sprouting index from 90% to 27%, and the respiration rate of the coated potato tubers (10.88 mg CO 2 /kg/h) was significantly ( p < 0.05) lower than the control (28.27 mg CO 2 /kg/h) at 2 weeks. Additionally, there were no significant differences ( p > 0.05) in tuber firmness, weight loss, and Brix value compared with the uncoated potatoes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that zein particles in the edible coating were evenly distributed on the surface of the potato peels, and UV–visible spectra indicated that the transmittance of the coatings ranged from 20% to 30%. The release of 3-decen-2-one from the zein-HPMC coating was enhanced by increasing RH, as determined with headspace gas chromatography. At 20 °C and 75% RH, the 3-decen-2-one released 0.0048 mg/mg of the coating after 2 h of exposure. When applied to potatoes, the 3-decen-2-one concentration peaked at approximately 3 h. These findings indicate that edible coatings containing 3-decen-2-one may be effective in preventing greening and sprouting while preserving potato quality at retail when exposed to light. • The zein-HPMC edible coating effectively inhibited greening in potato tubers. • The coating reduced the respiration rates of the potato tubers. • The inclusion of 3-decen-2-one into coating further delayed tuber sprouting. • The release of the 3-decen-2-one was enhanced by increasing relative humidity.