Effects of cellulose nanofibrils treatment on antioxidant properties and aroma of fresh-cut apples

Horticultural products tend to deteriorate during postharvest storage and processing. In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared from wood to investigate the effects of CNF treatment on the storage quality, aroma composition, and antioxidant system of fresh-cut apple (Malus domestica) wedges. Compared with control treatment, CNF coating treatment significantly improved the appearance of apple wedges; reduced the decay rate of apple wedges; and delayed the decline in weight loss, firmness, and titratable acid during storage. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that CNF treatment could maintain the aroma components of apple wedges (stored for 4 days). Further investigations showed that CNF treatment increased the antioxidant system level and decreased reactive oxygen species content and membrane lipid peroxidation level of apple wedges. Overall, this study showed that CNF coating could effectively maintain the quality of fresh-cut apples during cold storage.