Abstract
To maintain the overall quality of fisheries products, functional edible coatings from natural ingredients including fish gelatin (Gf), k-carrageenan (Cr), and extract of pomegranate peels (PPE) were composed. The Gf was extracted from blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus), microencapsulated with Cr, and then loaded with PPE (at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of Gf/Cr composites verified their cross-linkage and functionality; the Gf/Cr microcapsules had a mean particle size of 36.2 µm with good distribution and homogeneity. The coating of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets, with constructed solutions from Gf/Cr/PPE, revealed their positive effects on fillet quality attributes; the effectiveness was dependent on the supplemented PPE concentration. The Gf/Cr/PPE solutions could effectively reduce the microbial counts of total aerobics, psychrotrophs, yeast and molds, and enterobacteriaceae groups throughout 30 days of refrigerated storage. Additionally, the analysis of spoilage chemical parameters (total volatile basic nitrogen, peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in coated samples indicated that formulated solutions could hinder the increase of their values during storage. The sensorial evaluation indicated the acceptability and validity of coated samples for up to 30 days of storage. Gf/Cr/PPE coating is recommended for overall quality maintenance of fish fillets and prolongation of storage using safe and healthy biopreservatives.