Investigation of Natural Extracts and Sodium Bisulfite Impact on Thermal Signals and Physicochemical Compositions of Litopenaeus vannamei during Chilled Storage

This research work evaluates the impact of 1.2% pomegranate peel extract (Pp) (Punica granatum), 0.1% grapefruit seed (Gfs) (Citrus paradisi) extract, and synthetic preservative 1.25% sodium bisulfite on shelf life extension of Litopenaeus vannamei stored at 4 and 15°C. The application of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) for comparison of the extracts and chemical preservative on shrimp quality retention based on the overall heat production by microbial and enzymatic degradation was addressed. The occurrence of probable bioactive responsible for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity components in the extracts was examined through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). At 4°C, Pp-treated shrimps resulted in 6.73 logCFU/g, 6.93 logCFU/g, 5.31 mgN/100 g, and 0.58 mgMDA/kg for aerobic plate count, psychrotrophic bacterial count, trimethylamine, and thiobarbituric-acid reactive substance, respectively, on the 15th day. At 15°C, Pp-coated shrimps retained quality until day 4. Isothermal calorimetric analysis resulted in a rapid and sharp peak for fresh samples, whereas there was broad and delayed peak for shrimp treated with Pp and sodium bisulfite. These observations prove that Pp counterpart the chemical preservative and outperform Gfs on shrimp quality retention. Results also indicate that isothermal calorimetry can be a useful technique for shelf life predictions and comparative evaluation of extract impact on shrimp quality retention.