# Modification of chitooligosaccharide with phenolic acids for extended cherry tomato preservation and quality retention

## TL;DR

Scientists modified chitooligosaccharide with phenolic acids to create a coating that helps preserve cherry tomatoes longer by reducing decay and browning.

## Contribution

The study introduces grafted chitooligosaccharide derivatives with enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties for fruit preservation.

## Key findings

- Grafted derivatives reduced cherry tomato decay by 33.7%–44.7% and browning by 14.3%–23.6%.
- Derivatives inhibited oxidative stress and slowed phenolic degradation during storage.
- Coating showed improved biocompatibility and effectiveness compared to unmodified chitooligosaccharide.

## Abstract

Coating materials extend fruit shelf life by forming protective barriers against microbial growth and preserving freshness. Herein, three chitooligosaccharide (COS) derivatives were synthesized via grafting protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, and gallic acid onto COS, with their structures characterized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed successful grafting via amide linkages. 1H NMR analysis revealed new absorption peaks between 6.5 and 7.5 ppm, attributable to the grafted phenolic acids. Compared to ungrafted COS, the derivatives exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity and superior bacteriostatic activity. Spraying 2 mg L−1 derivatives on cherry tomatoes significantly reduced decay (33.7%–44.7%), browning (14.3%–23.6%), and the accumulation of reducing sugars (41.9%–49.6%) and soluble solids (13.3%–22.3%) during storage. These derivatives alleviated oxidative stress by enhancing catalase activity and reducing malondialdehyde levels, while inhibiting polyphenol oxidase to slow phenolic degradation and delay senescence. This grafted COS derivative coating offers enhanced biocompatibility for cherry tomato preservation systems.

•Grafted COS derivatives enhance antioxidant and antibacterial activities•Derivative coatings significantly reduce cherry tomato decay and browning•Derivatives offer enhanced biocompatibility for cherry tomato preservation systems

Grafted COS derivatives enhance antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Derivative coatings significantly reduce cherry tomato decay and browning

Derivatives offer enhanced biocompatibility for cherry tomato preservation systems

Natural sciences; Plant biochemistry; Bioactive plant product; Agricultural plant products