Degree of Hydrolysis
Degree of hydrolysis serves as a parameter monitoring the extent of protein hydrolysis. It is primarily used as an indicator for comparing various hydrolyzed proteins. Additionally, degree of hydrolysis is a crucial factor in studying the properties of hydrolyzed proteins as it reflects the extent of peptide bond cleavage and should be controlled (Dorvaj et al., 2013). The results regarding degree of hydrolysis (Table. 1) in this study demonstrate that as the hydrolysis process duration increases (P < 0.05), the degree of hydrolysis, indicating the extent of peptide bond cleavage, also increases. This occurs while the intensity and rate of hydrolysis, which refer to the degree of separation of soluble proteins from insoluble ones, decrease (Ghanbarnia et al., 2022; Liaset et al., 2002). No significant difference was observed between the 90 and 120-min durations (P > 0.05). With prolonged hydrolysis time, substrate depletion occurs, which affects the values of the hydrolysis degree (Golpaigani et al., 2023). Similar results were reported by Golpaigani et al. (2023) regarding the hydrolysis degree of hydrolyzed protein from rainbow trout eggs. They also stated that the hydrolysis degree increases with prolonged storage time, but after a certain period, the hydrolysis degree values become relatively constant.
Analysis of Initial Protein Content in Different Treatments:
The initial protein content of tomato seeds in this study was 19.54 ± 0.97%, whereas various studies have reported average initial protein contents of 17.71 ± 5.40% (ranging from 10.50–25.03%) for tomatoes (Ahmed et al., 2020; Ramos-Bueno et al., 2018; Elbadrawy and Sello, 2016; Ali et al., 2021; Oboulbiga et al., 2017). The isolated protein content of tomato seeds was 36.41 ± 0.91%. Furthermore, the protein content of hydrolyzed proteins ranged from 46.95–90.66% (Table. 1). These results align with the findings of Shariat alavi et al. (2019) concerning isolated and hydrolyzed protein contents, who also reported that the protein content after hydrolysis was higher than that of isolated tomato seed proteins. Additionally, a significant difference in protein content among the hydrolyzed samples, influenced by varying hydrolysis times, was observed. The protein content increased with extended hydrolysis time (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between the 90 and 120-min intervals (P > 0.05). With increased hydrolysis time, substrate reduction occurs, likely affecting the protein content.
Amino Acid Composition
Amino acids, often recognized as the building blocks of proteins, are compounds that play vital roles including maintaining cellular structure, repairing and rebuilding muscles and bones, and repairing damaged tissues (Elango et al., 2017). In the present study, the levels of 17 amino acids were identified (Table. 2). The highest amounts of amino acids were related to the non-essential amino acid glutamic acid at 16.99%, and the lowest amounts were related to the non-essential amino acid cysteine. Regarding essential amino acids, the highest amounts were related to leucine at 6.99%, and the lowest amounts were related to the essential amino acid methionine. These results are consistent with those of Ali et al. (2021) regarding tomato amino acids, where they also reported the highest amounts for the non-essential amino acid glutamic acid and the essential amino acid leucine. Additionally, similar results were reported by Elbadrawy and Sello (2016), who also stated that tomato skin contains 14.56% glutamic acid (the highest non-essential amino acid) and 5.07% leucine (the highest essential amino acid). The functionality of hydrolyzed protein is influenced by its amino acid composition. Hydrophobic amino acids (HAA) such as phenylalanine, proline, methionine, alanine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, and valine, as well as aromatic amino acids (AAA) including phenylalanine, histidine, tryptophan, and tyrosine, contribute to the functional and biological properties of hydrolyzed proteins. These properties include antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial activities. The present study found that the total amounts of HAA and AAA were 31.78% and 11.74% respectively, indicating their potentially significant bioactive effects on the host due to their high concentrations. The levels of valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, lysine, and tyrosine in the hydrolyzed tomato seed protein were found to be higher than the recommended values for animal proteins by the FAO/WHO (1991), suggesting the high nutritional quality of this protein. Investigation of Antioxidant Properties of Films
The results (Fig. 1a) indicate that the antioxidant activity of nanochitosan films was 26.35%. The antioxidant property of chitosan has also been reported by other researchers (Muñoz-Tebar et al., 2023; Morachis et al., 2017). Furthermore, the addition of aloe vera gel was found to increase the DPPH free radical scavenging activity. This antioxidant effect of aloe vera gel has been associated with the presence of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase enzyme, and phenolic compounds (Langmead et al., 2004; Yoshida et al., 2021). Based on the findings, the antioxidant activity of the hydrolyzed protein films increased, and an increase in protein concentration had a positive impact on DPPH free radical inhibition (P < 0.05). The antioxidant properties of the hydrolyzed proteins have been attributed to their ability to scavenge free radicals, act as metal chelators, oxygen scavengers, or hydrogen donors, and prevent the penetration of lipid oxidation initiators by forming a protective layer around oil droplets (Yoshida et al., 2021). Other researchers have also reported that hydrolyzed plant proteins and peptides exhibit antioxidant properties under laboratory conditions (Mirsadeghi Darabi, 2022; Ghelich et al., 2022; Ghanbarnia et al., 2022; Mirzapour et al., 2022; Mighan et al., 2024). Pirveisi et al. (2023) also reported that nanocellulose films containing hydrolyzed pine nut protein have the ability to inhibit DPPH free radicals, and this ability increases with increasing protein concentration.
Investigation of Antimicrobial Properties of Films
According to the results, nanochitosan films exhibited antimicrobial activity against both bacteria (Fig. 1. b and c). There are two theories about the mechanism of chitosan antimicrobial activity. First, chitosan, with its poly cationic property, can chelate metals and essential elements and remove them from the reach of bacteria. Second, by forming bonds with anions in the bacterial cell wall, chitosan disrupts their cell walls (Ghafari et al., 2024; Barzegar et al., 2008). Adding gel to the film increased the antimicrobial properties of the films (P < 0.05) Anthraquinones and dihydroxy anthraquinones are effective substances in aloe vera gel that have antimicrobial properties (Emamifar, 2015). In another study, the antimicrobial activity of aloe vera gel against a number of positive and negative bacteria has been demonstrated by several different methods (Habeeb et al., 2007). Additionally, the addition of hydrolyzed protein further increased the antimicrobial activity of the films. The highest level of antimicrobial activity against both bacteria was observed in nanocomposite film + 1.5% hydrolyzed protein (P < 0.05). Antimicrobial peptides, by penetrating the membrane, can disrupt it, leading to imbalance in cellular contents, disrupting processes such as replication, transcription, and translation of DNA sequences by binding to specific intracellular targets (Tkaczewska et al., 2020; de Oliveira et al., 2019; Ghafari et al., 2024).
Weight Loss in Mushrooms during Storage
This factor indicates the trend of weight loss in mushrooms as a percentage. Water loss is the most important physiological process that affects the qualitative characteristics of mushrooms. In more severe amounts, this phenomenon leads to wrinkling. This factor directly affects the commercial value of the product and, if severe, reduces its value (Zhang et al., 2018). The aim of this research is to prevent severe weight loss in button mushrooms through their coating. Wrinkling, moisture loss, and intense respiration are among the main reasons for weight loss in button mushrooms (Gholami et al., 2017).
A comparison of the percentage of weight loss between coated samples and control samples during the storage period showed that the control sample had a higher percentage of weight loss compared to the coated samples. According to the results (Fig. 2a), coating has led to reduced weight loss compared to the control sample (P < 0.05). The role of chitosan in reducing the weight of mushrooms can be attributed to its poly-cationic property. This coating, by breaking into polymeric fragments and re-forming polymeric chains, forms a gel-like surface coating film (Nasiri et al., 2018). This coating leads to the formation of a hydrophilic layer around the fruit, which acts as a barrier to gas exchanges, thus reducing respiration and preventing surface moisture loss (Liu et al., 2019). Additionally, the use of composite nano films had a more effective impact on weight loss amounts. The hygroscopic property of aloe vera gel is capable of forming a barrier against water diffusion between the fruit and the environment. Furthermore, these coatings protect the fruit skin from mechanical damage by repairing small injuries, thus preserving moisture and delaying drying (Mohammadi and Saidi, 2021). The lowest weight loss amounts were observed in mushrooms coated with composite nano films along with hydrolyzed protein (P < 0.05). During the hydrolysis process, hydrophobic groups are converted to hydrophilic groups through the production of carbonyl and amine groups (Halim et al., 2016). The use of coatings containing hydrophilic compounds can affect the formation of pores and surface breakage in mushrooms and can cause a reduction in mushroom weight loss by affecting the vapor permeability values (da Costa et al., 2020). da Costa et al. (2020) reported that the use of edible coatings along with hydrolyzed protein from black pacu fish resulted in less weight loss in cherry tomatoes during the storage period compared to the control.
Total Solid Soluble of Mushrooms during Storage
When comparing the total solid soluble at the beginning and end of the storage period, all mushroom samples exhibited an increase in Brix, although the magnitude of this increase varied slightly among different treatments. The reason for this gradual increase is the gradual reduction in the moisture content of the mushrooms over time during the storage period, resulting in a lower amount of solid soluble substances in the water and consequently a higher Brix concentration (Hosseini and Moradinezhad, 2018). The increase in total solid soluble (Fig. 2b) in mushrooms treated with nanocamposite film with hydrolyzed protein was slower than in other samples (P < 0.05), as the coating provides a semi-permeable film layer around the mushrooms, preventing water evaporation from the fruit. Additionally, it modifies the internal atmosphere by reducing oxygen and increasing carbon dioxide, thus altering the internal atmosphere (Pleșoianu and Nour, 2022; Zhu et al., 2019; Nasiri et al., 2019). It appears that preventing further increases in solid soluble content depends on maintaining moisture inside the coating. The control, from which moisture easily escapes, showed a higher increase in solid soluble content. Similar results were obtained by Gholami et al. (2020), demonstrating a slower increase in solid soluble content in mushrooms coated with chitosan and nanorose. The effectiveness of polysaccharide coatings on the solid soluble content of mushrooms during storage has also been reported by Pleșoianu and Nour (2022).
Texture Firmness of Mushrooms during Storage
Texture firmness is an important parameter related to the mechanical and structural properties of food materials. The firmness of a food material depends on cell size, wall resistance, and internal cell adhesion. In some fruits and vegetables, the firmness of their flesh is an indicator of the optimal harvest time (Gholami et al., 2020). Over time, the firmness (Fig. 2c) of all samples significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Guillaume et al. (2010) noted that during mushroom storage, cell swelling decreases, leading to soft and spongy tissue. The decrease in tissue firmness may be due to a decrease in the moisture content of the mushrooms, bacterial growth, enzymatic activity, and degradation of the cell walls of mushroom tissue. During ripening and senescence, enzymatic activity affects the tissue, leading to pectin breakdown and, consequently, softening of the tissue (Sanchis et al., 2015). According to the results, the greatest changes in firmness were observed in the control (P < 0.05). Coating provides a lower oxygen surface and a higher carbon dioxide surface, thus limiting enzyme activity and preserving tissue firmness during storage. Furthermore, the results showed that coating with a composite nano film along with hydrolyzed protein can prevent bacterial softening of the tissue, as tissue softening in samples coated with hydrolyzed protein was much lower compared to the control samples. The inhibitory effect of these coatings is due to the presence of hydrolyzed protein (Khademi et al., 2019) and the covering of the cuticle surface and the pores present on the mushroom surface due to the use of aloe vera gel, thus reducing respiration and the ripening process during storage (Mohammadi et al., 2021). Rokayya et al. (2021) reported that packaged mushrooms with a combination of chitosan and nanotitanium have higher firmness compared to control mushrooms during the storage period.
Phenolic Compound Levels in Mushrooms during Storage
Phenols are responsible for reducing oxidative damage and scavenging free radicals. Oxidative damage and browning of tissues are initial processes resulting from the combination of phenols with oxygen due to the activity of enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (Bach et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2013). Phenolic compounds are secondary plant metabolites responsible for aroma, flavor, and color in horticultural products, and they are degraded after harvest due to the activity of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes (Jiang, 2013). The levels of phenolic compounds (Fig. 3a) in mushrooms showed a declining trend in all treatments (P < 0.05). The reduction in phenolic compounds at the end of the storage period is likely due to the breakdown of cellular structure during senescence throughout the storage period. However, this trend was faster in the control. This can be attributed to the defensive response of mushrooms to external stress, due to the presence of the coating, which preserves the overall phenolic content and consequently enhances its antioxidant properties (Pleșoianu and Nour, 2022). Similar results were reported by Kumar et al. (2023), who also found that mushrooms packaged with aloe vera gel had higher phenolic content compared to untreated mushrooms during storage.
Antioxidant Properties in Mushrooms during Storage
The results of the present study showed that with the increase in storage time from day zero to day 16 in the all treatments, the antioxidant capacity (Fig. 3b) showed a declining trend (P < 0.05). The lowest levels were observed in the control (P < 0.05). During the storage of fruits and vegetables, the reduction of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid leads to a decrease in antioxidant levels. Coating with nano-chitosan helps preserve the antioxidant capacity; chitosan maintains antioxidant enzyme activity at higher levels. Multiple studies have demonstrated that chitosan, as a biological elicitor, may possess the potential to eliminate free radicals (Chen et al., 2021). The findings of the current study were in line with those reported by Khojah et al. (2021), who found that mushrooms coated with chitosan exhibited higher levels of phenols during the storage period compared to untreated mushrooms. Additionally, chitosan maintains antioxidant enzyme activity at higher levels, as indicated by various researches. Additionally, the consumption of aloe vera coating was effective due to its antioxidant properties (Hassanpour, 2015). Edible coatings improve antioxidant properties in products by reducing respiration intensity and ethylene production. Moreover, the best results were observed in treatments containing hydrolyzed protein, and an increase in concentration also had a positive effect on this trend, attributed to the antioxidant activity of hydrolyzed protein (Mirsadeghi Darabi et al., 2022; Ghelich et al., 2022; Ghanbarnia et al., 2022; Mirzapour et al., 2022; Mighan et al., 2024). Phenolic compounds are known as scavengers of free radicals and the main substrate for enzymatic browning reactions (Lu et al., 2016), and the levels of phenolic compounds in the current study were consistent with the levels of antioxidant activity. Pleșoianu and Nour (2022) also stated that there is a positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content in mushrooms.
Color Index Values of Mushrooms during Storage
As indicated in the results, with increasing storage time, the brightness index (L*) decreased in all treatments (P < 0.05) (Fig. 4a), and the rate of this decrease was higher for the control compared to the coated ones (P < 0.05). One of the reasons for this decrease is the increase in respiratory activity and enzymatic activity, including tyrosinase reactions, leading to browning of button mushrooms during storage, significantly reducing the brightness component of mushroom treatments. In treatments containing coatings, this may be attributed to the protection of mushroom surfaces against the atmosphere and the reduced penetration of oxygen into the tissue, consequently reducing the respiratory activity of mushrooms (Rokayya et al., 2021; Vargas et al., 2008). If their L* value is less than 80, button mushrooms may not be acceptable for sellers, and those with an L* value less than 70 may not even be acceptable for consumers (Vaziri et al., 2019; Gao et al., 2014). Therefore, treatments containing hydrolyzed protein had levels acceptable to consumers. With time, the a* (Fig. 4b), increased for all treatments (P < 0.05). This increase may be due to the increased respiratory rate and stimulation of enzymatic activities, including browning reactions and other quality-reducing reactions (Rad et al., 2020). The b* of button mushroom treatments showed significant differences among each other, as also observed in Fig. 4c, with the untreated button mushroom treatment showing the highest changes in yellow index (P < 0.05). The increase in yellow index during storage is also due to oxidation resulting from microbial activity and lipid oxidation. Rad et al. (2020), Rokayya et al. (2021), and Samadpour (2020) also stated that during the storage period, the color indices a*, b*, and L* of button mushrooms increase, and they further noted that the use of edible coatings slows down the rate of these changes.
Enzymatic Browning Index Values of Mushrooms during Storage
Enzymatic browning is the most significant physiological abnormality that severely affects the quality and marketability of button mushrooms after harvest and during storage. It is initiated by a group of enzymes called polyphenol oxidases or polyphenolases (Lagnika et al., 2014). According to the results, the enzymatic browning index (Fig. 4d) increased in all treatments with increasing storage time, and the rate of this increase was higher for the control compared to the coated ones (P < 0.05). In the control, the absence of a protective layer allows more oxygen to penetrate into the mushrooms, resulting in higher levels of enzymatic browning. Additionally, the addition of hydrolyzed protein reduces the surface microbial load of mushrooms due to its antimicrobial properties (Ghafari et al., 2024), thereby reducing the formation of brown spots caused by bacterial growth. Furthermore, based on the results of antioxidant compounds, substrates, and compounds involved in enzymatic browning reactions, they compete with and inhibit the formation of this reaction. Mechanisms for preventing enzymatic browning include: 1) controlling the entry and exit of gases, especially oxygen, which is one of the main factors in enzymatic browning; 2) eliminating or binding free radicals through coatings; 3) controlling enzymes involved in enzymatic browning reactions and preventing their negative effects (Sedaghat et al., 2012).
Total Bacterial Counts, Mold and Yeast of Mushrooms during Storage
The presence of bacterial populations in fresh mushrooms is an important factor that affects the quality of this product, leading to the occurrence of brown spots and a speckled appearance in mushrooms after harvest. These damages depend on the initial microbial contamination (Samadpour, 2020). The data obtained from the enumeration of total bacteria as well as molds and yeasts indicate an increasing trend over time. With time, the total bacterial counts increased in all treatments (P < 0.05). However, this increase was more pronounced in the control samples, and on all days, the bacterial load in the control samples was higher than that in the coated samples. Significant differences were observed between the control samples and the coated samples, as well as among the coated samples themselves, on all days (P < 0.05). The lower microbial load (total bacterial counts (Fig. 5a), mold and yeast (Fig. 5b) in the coated samples may be attributed to the effect of the nanofilm coating on mushrooms, which prevents microbial contamination in mushroom samples. Additionally, chitosan and aloe vera gel also have antimicrobial properties (Algarni et al., 2022; Duan et al., 2019; Emamifar, 2015). Similar results regarding the use of chitosan nanoparticles in reducing the microbial load of mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) were reported by Karimirad et al. (2019). Furthermore, the use of hydrolyzed protein also led to a reduction in the microbial load of mushrooms, with the lowest microbial load observed on day 16 of storage in treatments containing nanocomposite film + 1.5% hydrolyzed protein (P < 0.05). The antimicrobial property of hydrolyzed protein has also been reported by other researchers (Pirveisi et al., 2023; Ghanbarnia et al., 2022; Shahosseini et al., 2021). The use of edible coatings with natural preservatives may reduce the respiration rate and prevent enzymatic browning and microbial spoilage (Mohebbi et al., 2012). The results regarding the microbial load of mushrooms are consistent with the findings reported by Kumar et al. (2023), where the use of edible coatings based on aloe vera gel along with orange peel essence resulted in a reduction in microbial growth (total bacterial counts, mold and yeast) during the storage period. Similar results were reported by Gull et al. (2021) regarding the use of nano-chitosan coatings with pomegranate peel extract on the microbial load of apricots during storage. These researchers attributed this to the antimicrobial property of nano-chitosan-aloe vera gel along with natural preservatives. Additionally, similar results were reported by da Costa et al. (2020) regarding the use of edible coatings along with hydrolyzed black paku fish protein on the microbial load of cherry tomatoes during storage. They also stated that the addition of hydrolyzed protein had a satisfactory effect on reducing the fungal and yeast load
Sensory Evaluation of Mushrooms during Storage
The color and appearance of edible mushrooms are qualitative characteristics that influence consumer acceptance and have significant economic implications. Therefore, this study evaluated sensory attributes based on color and appearance (Fig. 6). With time, enzymatic activity increases, causing the color of the mushrooms to gradually darken and become more brownish. These changes were more pronounced in the control. Additionally, during mushroom storage, the reduction in moisture content leads to a decrease in cellular turgor pressure and tissue firmness. Overall, these factors affect the overall acceptance of mushrooms by consumers. The differences in color and texture observed in button mushrooms are consistent with the findings of Samadpour et al. (2020). Accordingly, during the initial days, there was minimal difference in texture between the coated and control mushrooms, but over time, these differences became apparent, and the firmness and freshness of the tissue were preserved by coating. The sensory evaluation results were consistent with the findings of other tests, with the best results observed in mushrooms coated with hydrolyzed protein. The difference in color among mushrooms can be attributed to the effect of coating and hydrolyzed protein on bacteria. Additionally, the composite nanofilm with hydrolyzed protein, due to its potential enzymatic activity-inhibiting compounds, can delay enzymatic browning of mushrooms and postpone the spoilage of this sensitive product (Mohebbi et al., 2012).