Effect of biodegradable film (lyophilised alga Fucus spiralis and sorbic acid) on quality properties of refrigerated megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis)

Abstract

The effect of replacing the on-board currently employed polyethylene film by a novel type of environmentally friendly packaging was studied. For it, a polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable film including lyophilised alga Fucus spiralis and sorbic acid was applied during megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) refrigeration and its effect on fish quality loss was evaluated. Thus, sensory assessment showed that samples wrapped up with PLA film including 8% alga and 1% sorbic acid were still acceptable on day 11, while control fish specimens (kept under polyethylene film) were rejected at that time. Under such biodegradable film condition, a preservative effect was also implied according to chemical indices assessment related to microbial activity (trimethylamine–N) and lipid oxidation development (peroxide and fluorescent compounds formation); additionally, lower mean numbers for different microbiological groups (aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae and psychrotrophs) were detected. This result provides a promising replacement strategy to enhance refrigerated fish quality and reduce the waste material content