Biological and Physico-Chemical Properties of <i>Lobosphaera</i> sp. Packed in Metallized Polyethylene Terephthalate/Polyethylene (PETmet/PE)
2025
Valter F. R. Martins | Ana J. Alves | Fátima Poças | Manuela Pintado | Rui M. S. C. Morais | Alcina M. M. B. Morais
This study evaluated the effects of different storage conditions, varying in light exposure, relative humidity (RH), and packaging materials, on the physicochemical stability of <i>Lobosphaera</i> sp. biomass, the retention of bioactive compounds, and the bioactivity of its extracts. Under light and 75% RH, the biomass absorbed moisture over time, reaching 0.779 ± 0.003 g/g dry weight (DW) after three months. This was accompanied by a decline in luminosity, chroma, and hue values. In contrast, samples stored under other conditions showed minimal changes, indicating that high humidity, combined with light exposure, compromises biomass stability. Packaging in metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PETmet/PE) effectively preserved the water content, color, and carotenoid levels during a two-month storage period. Bioactive compounds extracted via hydroethanolic ultrasound-assisted extraction yielded 15.48 ± 1.35% DW. Total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts declined over time in both PETmet/PE and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packaging, though the decrease was less pronounced in PETmet/PE. Antioxidant activity, assessed via the ABTS assay, remained stable, regardless of storage duration or packaging. Antimicrobial activity of the extract decreased over time but remained more effective against Gram-positive bacteria (<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Bacillus cereus</i>, and <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>), with PETmet/PE packaging better preserving antimicrobial efficacy than LDPE. These findings underscore the importance of optimized storage conditions and packaging for maintaining the quality and bioactivity of <i>Lobosphaera</i> sp. biomass and its extracts.
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