Cushioning packaging for fresh fruit and vegetable logistics is prone to damage-induced loss of cushioning function, low space utilization efficiency, and limited customization. This study prepared a PVA/Alg-PBA/Gel hydrogel comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 3-aminophenylboronic acid-grafted sodium alginate (Alg-PBA), and gelatin (Gel). This hydrogel features a dual self-healing system composed of boronate ester bonds and hydrogen bonds. It exhibits an elongation at break of 1200%, and initiates rapid self-healing within 30 s. In simulated logistics tests, the hydrogel could be stretched into thin pads for cushioning packaging, while diosmetin (Dios) loading provided additional antioxidant functionality. It effectively reduces mechanical damage to Myrica rubra and Agaricus bisporus samples, extending their freshness period by approximately 50%. Compared with conventional commercial logistics cushioning pads, this hydrogel provides better protection for freshproduce supply-chain transportation, enables more flexible use strategies, and reduces space-related costs, indicating broad application potential.

Lysophospholipids (LPLs), as a small proportion of lipids, always interact with amylose in starchy plants and significantly influence the structure of starch. This study investigated the complexing process between amylose and two LPLs (LPC16:0 and LPC18:2). Results showed that the LPLs molecules bound to the central hydrophobic cavity of amylose, and the amylose-LPL complex (ALC) formed a typical V-type structure. The amylose-LPC18:2 complex showed a lower RMSD (21.2 & Aring;) but higher RG (15.4 & Aring;) and SASA (2922.7 & Aring;(2)) than the amylose-LPC16:0 complex (25.4 & Aring; of RMSD, 13.2 & Aring; of RG and 2897.8 & Aring;(2) of SASA), indicating a higher effectiveness of LPC16:0 in the flexibility of amylose residues. ALC had a higher potential energy (10.3-15.5 kcal/mol) than single amylose (8.0 kcal/mol). Furthermore, the total C-4(1) conformation accounted for 97.5-98.8% of the conformation in ALC, which was lower than amylose (99.3%). The amylose-LPC16:0 complex showed higher intermolecular bonds (399.3 vs. 243.6), O-2-O-3 hydrogen bonds (746.9 vs. 679.5) and O-2/O-3-O-6 hydrogen bonds (256.0 vs. 199.0) than the amylose-LPC18:2 complex. The intermolecular and intramolecular forces between amylose and LPLs molecules were primarily due to hydrophobicity and hydrogen bonds. These results provided an overview of the possible complexation process between native amylose and individual LPLs molecules in starchy plants.

This study investigated the isolation and identification of postharvest pathogenic microflora associated with the microbial spoilage of newly developed fresh goji berry cultivar “Ningnonqi 18” and evaluated the antifungal efficacy of thymol essential oil (TEO; 80 mg mL-1) in controlling decay and maintaining fruit quality during storage. Notably, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, and Cladosporium cladosporioides were identified as primary spoilage-inducing fungal pathogens, while bacterial isolates such as Staphylococcus warneri and Acinetobacter pittii were reported as non-pathogenic to goji berries. TEO exhibited potent antifungal effects, causing membrane disruption and ultrastructural damage to identified-pathogenic fungal mycelia, hyphae and spores. Meanwhile, TEO enhanced antioxidant metabolites such as total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and ascorbic acid, increased activities of defense-related enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonialyase, 4-coumarate:CoA ligase, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, chitinase, and β-1,3-Glucanase, and reduced reactive oxygen species such as malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion. Consequently, TEO-treated goji berries maintained key quality characteristics such as firmness, color, and solid-acid balance, and reduced weight loss, decay rate, and electrolyte leakage, aided by lowered respiration and ethylene production rate. These results demonstrate that Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, and Cladosporium cladosporioides are major spoilage fungi in fresh goji berry cultivar “Ningnonqi 18”. In addition, TEO functions as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides, effectively preserving postharvest quality and storage performance of fresh goji berries under enhanced disease resistance, improved antioxidant levels, and delayed ripening.

This study investigated postharvest quality and shelf life of “Ningnongqi 17” goji berries under 1-MCP-mediated sugar-acid metabolism. The results showed that 1-MCP-treated goji berries exhibited delayed firmness loss, TA loss, and color, along with a slower increase in TSS/TA ratio, weight loss, decay rate, and EL than control (CK). 1-MCP enhanced citric, succinic, fumaric, and malic acids accumulation by upregulating PEPC, CS, and NAD-MDH and suppressing ACL, ACO, and SDH enzymes and their transcription. Meanwhile, sucrose levels increased, and glucose and fructose remained lower via downregulated AI, NI, SS-c, and upregulated SPS and SPP enzymes and their transcription. Notably, malic acid and fructose were identified as the main organic acid and sugar in berries. Correlation analysis linked elevated malic, succinic, and sucrose levels with improved firmness, color, TSS, and lower weight loss, decay rate, and EL in treated berries. In conclusion, 1-MCP delayed ripening and senescence by maintaining optimal sugar-acid homeostasis, resulted in improved quality and extended shelf life of fresh goji berries.

As a major edible mushroom, Lentinula edodes requires accurate cultivar and origin authentication. Conventional homogenate-based metabolomics obscures spatial chemical information. This study establishes an integrated framework combining UHPLC-Orbitrap MS metabolomics, DESI-MSI imaging, and machine-learning modeling to decode the spatial chemical heterogeneity of three representative cultivars (Q2, K2, S1). Untargeted LC-MS profiling identified 101 differential metabolites across key amino acid, organic acid, nucleoside, and phenolic pathways. DESI-MSI visualized 65 of them, revealing tissue-specific chemical distributions inaccessible to traditional strategies. By integrating abundance and spatial intensity, feature selection using RF, PLS-DA, LASSO, and RFE yielded a robust seven-metabolite biomarker panel (including d-mannitol, L-malic acid, riboflavin, and p-coumaric acid, etc.). These chemical-spatial signatures formed distinctive "Integrated Fingerprint Cards" for each cultivar, enabling reliable classification and geographical traceability. This chemical-spatial paradigm provides a powerful foundation for future real-time, in situ authentication of high-value agricultural products.

ABSTRACT The increasing incidence of skin photoaging associated with enhanced ultraviolet (UV) exposure highlights the need for effective preventive and therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to determine the ergothioneine (EGT) content in different anatomical parts of Ganoderma lucidum and to evaluate its anti‐photoaging effects using HaCaT cells and an ultraviolet B (UVB)‐induced nude mouse model. EGT was detected exclusively in G. lucidum spore powder and significantly enhanced cell viability, hydroxyproline (HYP) content, and pro‐collagen I α1 levels in HaCaT cells following UVB irradiation. EGT markedly suppressed both the secretion and gene expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β), while upregulating the expression of collagen I and transforming growth factor‐β1. In addition, EGT‐derived‐G. lucidum inhibited matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐9) and promoted the secretion of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1). Histological evaluation and gut microbiota analyses further demonstrated that EGT‐derived‐G. lucidum alleviated UVB‐induced skin damage and partially restored microbial homeostasis. These findings indicate that G. lucidum‐derived EGT exhibits significant anti‐photoaging activity and may represent a promising functional ingredient for anti‐photoaging applications.

Fresh walnuts are highly susceptible to microbial spoilage and oxidative browning, primarily due to their elevated moisture and fat content. To address this, an active Janus film (C film), fabricated from gelatin-sodium alginate and zein, was developed. This film provides a sustainable unidirectional moisture barrier and bacteriostatic properties. The active ingredient in C film is cinnamaldehyde (CIN). CIN showed 94.8% encapsulation efficiency in tannic acid nanoemulsions (CIN-Tas). Morphological analysis revealed hydrogen bonding between CIN-Tas and gelatin without significantly altering the film structure. The developed Janus film incorporating CIN-Tas exhibited enhanced thermal stability, antioxidant capacity, and mechanical properties. Water vapor permeability (WVP) values were 4.23 & times; 10- 7 and 1.49 & times; 10- 7 gPa- 1s- 1m- 1 on either side, enabling external moisture barrier and internal moisture absorption. The CIN loaded films exhibited antimicrobial activity (inhibition zones: 3.19 cm against Penicillium cynodontis, 4.77 cm against Penicillium citrinum). CIN release followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, sustaining release for 180 h. A significant preservation effect was observed in fresh walnut storage experiments using C film coating. The decay rate was decreased by 20.34%. A decrease of 9.68% in malondialdehyde (MDA) content accumulation was recorded. Additionally, the rise in acid value (AV) and peroxide value (POV) was decreased by 25.21% and 7.99%, respectively. These results indicated that this packaging technology effectively inhibits microbial growth and maintains storage humidity, prolonging walnut freshness. It offers promising potential for extending food shelf life.

This study investigated the antibacterial components and underlying mechanisms of action of gallic (Galla chinensis) extracts. The ethanol extract was separated into different fractionations by using silica gel column chromatography, followed by analysis via ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF MS). The mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of gallic extract on Penicillium citrinum was elucidated by assessing of cell membrane integrity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and cellular ultrastructure. The results demonstrated that the Fr.3 fraction exhibited an maximum inhibition zone against P. citrinum with the diameter of 17.85 mm. UPLC-QTOF MS analysis identified 12 bioactive compounds in Fr.3, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, and (-)-epigallocatechin, among others. Antifungal assays demonstrated that gallic acid and (-)-epigallocatechin inhibited P. citrinum growth by 53.99% and 45.75%, respectively, after 6 days of culture at 28 ℃. Gallic acid impaired cell membrane integrity, leading to a 78.80% increase in relative conductivity and a 60.16% increase in malondialdehyde content. Gallica acid also induced oxidative stress, resulting in elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which subsequently disrupted intracellular redox homeostasis in P. citrinum cells. Additionally, gallic acid inhibited mitochondrial function of P. citrinum, resulting in a 76.88% decrease in ATPase activity, a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential, with depolarization increased to 17.31-fold of the control. Furthermore, the P. citrinum cell ultrastructure was compromised and plasmolysis was observed. These findings elucidate the multitarget inhibitory mechanism of G. chinensis at the molecular level and provide a theoretical framework for natural antifungal agent development.

This study investigated the variations in chain length distribution of six lotus root starch and relationships with starch functional properties. The amylose content (13.7-16.4%), peak degree of polymerization (DP) of amylose (XAM, 4,308-6,031), peak height of amylose (hAM, 0.141-0.172), second peak height of amylopectin (hAP2, 0.581-0.616), proportion of short amylose chain (SAM, 8.36-13.29%) showed significant genetic diversity. Amylopectin chain fractions fa (DP 6-12, 20.8-22.5%), fb1 (DP 13-24, 49.4-51.1%) and fb3 (DP ≥ 37, 13.7-15.3%) greatly varied among different lotus roots. Amylose content and hAM showed positive relations with onset temperature. DPs at the maximum of amylopectin peak and hAP2 were significantly correlated with pasting properties and gelatinization enthalpy. The SAM, fa and fa/fb1 ratio significantly correlated with peak viscosity, setback, pasting temperature and peak temperature. fb3 showed a positive relation with gelatinization enthalpy (P < 0.05). These results provided insights into the structure-function relationships of lotus root amylose and amylopectin.

Effective oral delivery of natural products is essential for sustained therapeutic effects for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) therapy. However, compromised bioavailability leads to undesirable effect and hypoglycemia. Herein, biomimetic nanoplatform based on mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) and inulin gel were designed to enhance the oral delivery of 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ). DNJ was adsorbed via mesopores and hydrogen bonding by MPDA and encapsulated within the inulin hydrogel. The MPDA@Inulin gel exhibited sustained-release properties that allowed DNJ to be released persistently in the small intestine, thereby enhancing its oral bioavailability. Moreover, the capacity of DNJ@MPDA@Inulin gel in controlling the blood glucose levels was evaluated in a high-fat diet induced T2DM model. Notably, after 4 weeks of daily oral administration, DNJ@MPDA@Inulin demonstrated enhanced efficacy in controlling blood glucose levels in T2DM model mice, improving insulin sensitivity. More important, this hydrogel nano-sustained release platform based DNJ delivery system could ameliorate glucolipid metabolism, enhance intestinal mucosal barrier and reshape gut microbial composition. Thus, it is anticipated that inulin-MPDA based oral delivery system have a potential for natural products delivery to improve bioavailability and alleviate T2DM.

ABSTRACT This study explored the memory‐enhancing potential of seven commercially available nuts through nutritional profiling, metabolomics, network pharmacology, and animal experiments. Significant differences were observed in nutrient content: Almonds had the highest soluble protein (263.13 mg/g), and walnuts showed the highest total phenolics (32.93 mg GAE/g). Active compounds were screened using SwissADME, and a compound–target network was constructed. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment identified key pathways, including neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction and cAMP signaling. Walnuts, almonds, and Torreya grandis were selected for in vivo testing in scopolamine‐induced memory‐impaired mice. In the Morris Water Maze, the walnut group showed the greatest improvement with a reduced escape latency (10.02 ± 3.69 s) and total distance (396.02 ± 125.29 mm). Biochemical analysis revealed increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity ( p < 0.01) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) levels ( p < 0.05). Histological assays confirmed upregulation of postsynaptic density protein‐95 (PSD‐95) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. These findings suggest that nuts, particularly walnuts, can mitigate cognitive decline through antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and neuroprotective mechanisms.

Leaf yellowing caused by chlorophyll catabolism, is the most conspicuous trait of senescence in harvested leafy vegetables. Chlorophyll catabolism is a highly coordinated process primarily regulated by transcription factors (TFs). Therefore, identifying key TFs modulating chlorophyll catabolism is extremely important for understanding the regulatory networks of leafy vegetable yellowing. In this work, based on physiological and transcriptomic perspectives related to cytokinin (CTK) analogue 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA)-delayed leaf yellowing, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to investigate possible TFs associated with chlorophyll catabolism regulation during senescence of harvested cabbages. A total of 327 TFs from 47 families were identified as candidate regulatory factors. Among these, a member of bZIP family BrTGA1-1 was focused. It was a nuclear-localized transcriptional activator and down-regulated by 6-BA. Further assays showed that it directly bound to the promoters of series chlorophyll catabolic genes (CCGs) including BrNYC1-1, BrNYC1-2, BrNOL and BrSGR1-2, thereby activating their transcription. Meanwhile, transient overexpression of BrTGA1-1 in tobacco leaves up-regulated CCGs expression, and facilitated chlorophyll catabolism, thus promoting leaf yellowing. In summary, BrTGA1-1 acts as an activator in accelerating leaf yellowing via upregulating CCGs, and our genome-wide identification of TFs regulating chlorophyll catabolism provides original insights into the regulatory networks for postharvest yellowing in leafy vegetables.

In this study, salicylic acid nanoliposomes (SA@NLs) were used to alleviate chilling injury (CI) in baby ginger by modulating membrane lipid metabolism. SA@NLs were prepared using thin-film hydration method, and characterized in term of morphology, particle size, and stability. The results showed that SA@NLs were nanosized vesicles with an average particle size of 129 nm, demonstrating favorable dispersibility and encapsulation efficiency. SA@NLs treatment effectively maintained the quality index of baby ginger. The SA@NLs-treated group showed lower levels of phosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, and lysophosphatidylethanolamine compared to the SA-treated and control groups, indicating the mitigation of the degradation of phospholipids. Meanwhile, SA@NLs treatment exhibited higher unsaturated fatty acid content and the unsaturation index of fatty acids (IUFA) reached 68.96 % at the end of storage, which enhanced cell membrane fluidity and chilling tolerance. These results demonstrated that SA@NLs had potential applications in controlling CI in baby ginger and other cold-sensitive fruits and vegetables.

Green pepper is prone to chilling injury (CI) under low temperature stress, resulting in quality deterioration. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) treatment on green peppers during cold storage. The results showed that H2S treatment inhibited the CI, maintained a high chlorophyll content, improved antioxidant capacity and promoted proline and polyamines accumulation in green pepper. Meanwhile, H2S treatment could support a higher unsaturated fatty acids content and inhibit the activity of lipid metabolism-related enzymes, thereby maintaining the stability of cell membranes in green pepper. Moreover, the correlation analysis suggested that green pepper fruit CI was highly negatively correlated with antioxidant enzymes and the unsaturation degree of fatty acids. Molecular docking and enzyme activity assay results showed that H2S might regulate enzyme activity through S-sulfhydration. Together, the results reveal the mechanism of H2S inducing cold tolerance in postharvest green pepper.

Enterobacter cloacae, a typical spoilage bacterium, causes severe textural softening of freshly cut chili pepper. This study investigated the mechanisms of E. cloacae-induced textural softening involving cell wall polysaccharide disassembly and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. It was found that E. cloacae-inoculated samples had lower firmness and greater weight loss than the control group. Meanwhile, E. cloacae inoculation promoted cell wall decomposition; cell wall polysaccharide disassembly, such as cellulose and Na2CO3-soluble pectin; and enhanced cell wall-degrading enzyme (CWDE) activity (polygalacturonase, pectin methylase, pectin lyase, beta-galactosidase, alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase, cellulase, and xyloglucan endotransglycosylase). Furthermore, high H2O2 content, low GSH content, and reduced activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase were found in the E. cloacae-inoculated group during late storage. Overall, E. cloacae-induced textural softening of fresh-cut chili peppers resulted from cell-wall polysaccharide degradation due to increased CWDE activity, ROS accumulation, and reduced ROS-scavenging capacity.

The bioplastic film polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) /chitosan (CS), i.e., PC, formed by blending PVA with CS, exhibits excellent antioxidant properties and biodegradability. However, it lacks ultraviolet (UV) blocking ability, limiting its capacity to protect adipose-rich foods from photo-oxidation. Lignin possesses remarkable UV shielding ability that inhibits food photo-oxidation and extends shelf-life. However, the dark brown color of lignin negatively impacts the film color and transparency. To address these restrictions, this study incorporated acetylated lignin (ALG) loaded with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) into conventional PC films (PC-HALG), resulting in a significant reduction in the color intensity of the film by almost 255.3 %, i.e., almost being colorless. The UV-A and UV-B shielding capacities of the PC films were increased by 1347 % and 617 %, respectively. Thus, ALG provided the PC films with excellent UV shielding capacity while reducing their color intensity and maintaining high transparency. Additionally, the loading of HNTS reduced lignin agglomeration, contributing to the improvement in transparency and enhancement of UV shielding effects in PC films. Furthermore, the PC-HALG film retained and even enhanced the biodegradability of the PC film, which exhibited degradability within one week. Freshness preservation experiments confirmed that the oxidation of pecan oil covered with the PC-HALG film under UV irradiation was reduced by 81.3 %-92.2 %. These findings suggest that this bioplastic film can be used in visually displaying food products while preventing their photo-oxidation. Mechanical properties, thermal stability, barrier properties, and antioxidant properties of the developed PCHALG film were also characterized.

Blueberries are susceptible to microbial contamination and mechanical damage after harvesting, thereby accelerating their quality deterioration. Therefore, in the present work, thyme essential oil@halloysite nanotubes (TEO@HNTs)-loaded pullulan/gelatin/PVA (PGP) aerogels with antimicrobial activities and cushioning properties were developed to address these issues. The results showed that TEO achieved a 91.1 % encapsulation efficiency in HNTs and hydrogen bonding interactions were formed between TEO and HNTs. TEO@HNTs improved the crystallinity, thermal stability, compression properties, and surface hydrophobicity of the PGP aerogels. The TEO@HNTs-loaded aerogels exhibited a sustained release of TEO and antimicrobial activity against E. coli (inhibition zone of 13.92 mm), S. aureus (inhibition zone of 16.55 mm), and B. cinerea. Moreover, the aerogels offered good cushioning for blueberries when subjected to mechanical impact, thus maintaining their quality during storage. In addition, cell cytotoxicity analysis showed that cell viability exceeded 94 %, indicating the excellent biocompatibility of the TEO@HNTs-loaded aerogels. The above results suggested promising prospects for the development of a multifunctional aerogel to maintain the quality of food products, such as blueberries, which are susceptible to microbial contamination and mechanical damage.

Headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to investigate the potential reaction mechanism of the oxidation process that alters the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fatty acid content of prepared pork products during storage. GC-IMS detected a total of 38 volatile flavor compounds, of which 16 were identified as key differential markers through orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) with variable importance in projection (VIP) values ≥1. Correlation analysis with 10 fatty acids showed that oxidative decomposition of oleic and linoleic acids increased the content of hexanal, glutaraldehyde, butanal, and (E)-2-heptenal, resulting in a warmed-over flavor (WOF). These results demonstrate that lipid oxidation is the primary driver of flavor deterioration in prepared pork products. This study provides critical insights into the formation mechanism of WOF and establishes a theoretical foundation for developing effective strategies to control flavor loss in meat products.

Defatted hickory meal (DHM), a by-product of hickory oil production, is a protein source rich in essential amino acids. In this study, the functional properties of DHM hydrolysate (DHMH) were assessed using in vitro and in vivo assays in context to its antioxidant and memory-enhancing effects. To induce memory impairment, D-galactose (D-gal) was administered to mice at a dose of 120 mg/kg body weight per day, and DHMH was orally administered at doses of 300, 600, and 1000 mg/kg body weight per day for 8 weeks. DHMH treatment led to improved memory performance in D-gal-induced memory-impaired mice, as observed in the Morris water maze test. Furthermore, DHMH mitigated the accumulation of amyloid β1-42 triggered by D-gal exposure. Notably, high-dose DHMH significantly reduced the elevation of pro-inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 6. Additionally, DHMH prevented the decline in total superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase activity, and glutathione levels, while reducing malondialdehyde content in D-gal-induced mice, indicative of its antioxidant properties. Moreover, DHMH treatment effectively prevented histological alterations in neurons within the hippocampal CA1 area induced by D-gal. Collectively, our findings suggest that DHMH may counteract memory dysfunctions resulting from oxidative stress injury in the brain, positioning it as a potential candidate for use as a functional food.

Textural loss is a major quality issue affecting fresh-cut chili peppers' shelf life. We explore how different packaging materials influence textural quality and their impact on membrane lipid and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. Polyethylene (PE) packaging was found to effectively delay softening and water loss compared to ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). Compared with EVOH, PE exhibited higher O2 and lower CO2 concentrations in package, lower pH values, decreased respiration rate, and improved cell membrane integrity. PE-packaged samples exhibited lower malonaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion levels, alongside higher catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities. Additionally, PE samples had reduced levels of glutathione while increased ascorbic acid, and enhanced DPPH radical-scavenging capability and reducing power. Furthermore, PE packaging showed reduced activities of lipase, phospholipase D, phosphatidylcholine- and phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, while maintaining higher levels of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine, and lower diacylglycerol content during late storage. These findings indicated that PE packaging increased the scavenging ability of ROS, thereby reducing the accumulation of ROS. It also decreased the activities of membrane lipid-degrading enzymes, which in turn increased phospholipid levels and maintained membrane integrity. As a result, textural deterioration in fresh-cut chili peppers was delayed.