Characterization of Aloe Vera Gel-Based Edible Coating with Orange Peel Essential Oil and Its Preservation Effects on Button Mushroom ( Agaricus bisporus )

In the present study, the effects of orange peel essential oils (EOs) on the physiochemical, rheological, particle size and zeta potential distribution of the developed aloe vera gel-based edible coating were investigated. We also investigated the effects of prepared aloe vera gel-based edible coating (with or without incorporation of orange peel essential oil) on the postharvest shelf life and characteristics such as physiological loss of weight (PLW), color, respiration rate, firmness, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity of button mushroom ( Agaricus bisporus ) at 4 °C during 16 days of storage. The results revealed that the 50% concentration of aloe vera gel-based edible coating without addition of essential oil had significantly superior properties with higher stability zeta potential (− 9.7 mV) as compared to other concentrations of aloe vera gel-based formulation. It also showed the highest potential to maintain the postharvest quality attributes of mushrooms throughout storage. The maximum concentration of orange peel essential oil (1500 µL/L) incorporated in the 50% aloe vera gel (F3)-based treatment significantly improved the postharvest quality attributes of mushrooms as compared to coating prepared with incorporation of 500 µL/L and 1000 µL/L concentration of EOs (orange peel essential oils) and helped extend the shelf life of mushrooms up to 4 days as compared to the control (50% AV (aloe vera gel) only). Further research should be performed to develop water and gas barrier composite edible coatings to further extend mushroom shelf life.