Durante los últimos años la creciente demanda por parte del consumidor de alimentos frescos, de primera calidad y listos para preparar y servir, ha generado un cambio importante en la aplicación de técnicas de conservación de alimentos, abriéndose nuevas líneas en el mercado. Ante este reto, la industria ha respondido mediante la elaboración de productos minimamente procesados en fresco. Sin embargo, estos alimentos presentan una vida útil corta, principalmente debido a problemas de pardeamiento. La metodología para controlar este tipo de problema se basa en la utilización de antioxidantes y atmósferas modificadas con bajo nivel de O2. Sin embargo, la sola aplicación de estas tecnologías, en muchos casos, resulta poco efectiva para garantizar una vida útil adecuada del producto minimamente procesado. Por lo tanto, resulta necesario seguir estudiando en el desarrollo y aplicación de otras tecnologías que ayuden a mantener la calidad de estos productos durante periodos adecuados para su comercialización. En este proyecto, se pretende estudiar la efectividad de tratamientos antioxidantes con recubrimientos comestibles y el envasado en atmósferas modificadas `no convencionales¿, con el objetivo de reducir el pardeamiento enzimático en productos como alcachofa, berenjena, manzana y caqui minimamente procesados. / Ghidelli, C. (2014). EFFECT OF SOY PROTEIN-BASED EDIBLE COATINGS WITH ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING ON THE QUALITY OF FRESH-CUT PRODUCES [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/39104

The effect of electron beam irradiation upon microbiological quality and safety of fresh-cut tomatoes was studied. Preliminary studies were conducted to ensure reliability of the rifampicin-resistant strain versus the parent strain of Salmonella serovar Montevideo for use in this study. Growth curve, heat tolerance and lactic acid resistance studies were performed, all of which showed no differences in behavior between the organisms. Fresh tomatoes were obtained from a local supplier and then cut into cubes with stem scars being separated. Both cubes and stem scars were inoculated with a rifampicin- resistant strain of either Salmonella Montevideo or Salmonella Agona, separated into treatment groups and treated by electron beam irradiation at 0.0 kGy (control), 0.7 kGy or 0.95 kGy. The effect of electron beam irradiation was determined for Salmonella, yeast, mold, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) populations as well as pH on tomato cubes and stem scars over a 15-day storage period at 4??C. Results indicated that while irradiation treatment significantly reduced most microbial populations on tomato samples, there were no differences in the microbial populations between treatments of 0.7 kGy or 0.95 kGy. Irradiation at either dose resulted in a significant reduction of Salmonella Montevideo when compared to the control, with an initial reduction of 1.8 and 2.2 log10 CFU/g on tomatoes for 0.7 kGy and 0.95 kGy, respectively. LAB, yeasts and molds were more resistant to the treatment than Salmonella. Populations present on stem scars and tomato cubes did experience some differences in log reductions, possibly due to the protective effect of the stem scar on microorganisms. However, no differences were detected between the two Salmonella serotypes in response to irradiation treatment. This study indicates that doses of irradiation greater than 1 kGy should be used in fresh-cut tomatoes to eliminate significant populations of pathogens, as well as to ensure the microbial quality of the product. Additional studies also need to be conducted to examine the effects of higher irradiation doses on the sensory qualities of fresh-cut tomatoes.

The effect of electron beam irradiation upon microbiological quality and safety of fresh-cut tomatoes was studied. Preliminary studies were conducted to ensure reliability of the rifampicin-resistant strain versus the parent strain of Salmonella serovar Montevideo for use in this study. Growth curve, heat tolerance and lactic acid resistance studies were performed, all of which showed no differences in behavior between the organisms. Fresh tomatoes were obtained from a local supplier and then cut into cubes with stem scars being separated. Both cubes and stem scars were inoculated with a rifampicin- resistant strain of either Salmonella Montevideo or Salmonella Agona, separated into treatment groups and treated by electron beam irradiation at 0.0 kGy (control), 0.7 kGy or 0.95 kGy. The effect of electron beam irradiation was determined for Salmonella, yeast, mold, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) populations as well as pH on tomato cubes and stem scars over a 15-day storage period at 4??C. Results indicated that while irradiation treatment significantly reduced most microbial populations on tomato samples, there were no differences in the microbial populations between treatments of 0.7 kGy or 0.95 kGy. Irradiation at either dose resulted in a significant reduction of Salmonella Montevideo when compared to the control, with an initial reduction of 1.8 and 2.2 log10 CFU/g on tomatoes for 0.7 kGy and 0.95 kGy, respectively. LAB, yeasts and molds were more resistant to the treatment than Salmonella. Populations present on stem scars and tomato cubes did experience some differences in log reductions, possibly due to the protective effect of the stem scar on microorganisms. However, no differences were detected between the two Salmonella serotypes in response to irradiation treatment. This study indicates that doses of irradiation greater than 1 kGy should be used in fresh-cut tomatoes to eliminate significant populations of pathogens, as well as to ensure the microbial quality of the product. Additional studies also need to be conducted to examine the effects of higher irradiation doses on the sensory qualities of fresh-cut tomatoes.

In the last few years, especially in the developed countries, an increment in demand for fresh-cut fruit by the consumers of all ages has occurred. This increase is mainly due to the importance that people are giving to the consumption of fresh, healthy, and low-calorie food products. Fresh-cut pineapple (Ananas comosus) is one of the fruits that consumers can eat quickly and still enjoy its benefits; however, its shelf-life is very short (7 days). A means to preserve all the natural and beneficial components of fresh-cut pineapple is coating the fruit with an edible material, a coating. This coating acts as a barrier against moisture loss and gas exchanges and can be a carrier of other components like antimicrobials, which can help to extend the shelf-life of the fresh-cut fruit. The main objective of this study was to develop an edible coating with an antimicrobial agent for fresh-cut pineapple and to determine its effectiveness in extending shelf-life and preserving fruit quality attributes. Different treatments consisted of several concentrations of sodium alginate (0.5%, 1%, and 2%); beta-cyclodextrin, trans-cinnamaldehyde (antimicrobial), pectin, and calcium chloride were tested for formulation of the edible coating. The layer-by-layer technique with a dipping method was used to coat the fruits. Pineapples were properly cleaned with a chlorine solution (300 ppm) and triangular prisms (3.6 cm per side) were cut using a triangular cutter. The length of the triangular prisms was adjusted to 2.54 cm using a small knife measured with a ruler. Color, texture, pH, degrees Brix (total soluble solids), acidity, vitamin C, moisture content, and weight loss, were monitored every 3 to 4 days for 15 days. Microbiological tests (aerobic plate counts, psychrotrophic counts, and yeast and molds counts) were performed to determine the effectiveness of the antimicrobial compound. In terms of microbiological and physicochemical quality attributes, the coating improved the shelf-life of the fresh-cut pineapple up to 12 days compared to the control (fresh-cut pineapple without the coating) which only lasted 7 days at 4 degrees C. Color, texture and pH, were better preserved in the treated (coated) fruit compared to controls (uncoated). Different concentrations of the solutions in the formation of the coating had different results in terms of the preservation of the quality attributes of the fruit. Antimicrobial coatings with a concentration of alginate of 1% and 2% (w/w), pectin 2% (w/w) and calcium chloride 2% (w/w) presented a satisfactory formulation to preserve fruit quality attributes like moisture content, help to control juice leakage, and avoid microbial growth. Antimicrobial coating with 1% of alginate (w/w), 2% of pectin (w/w), 2% of calcium chloride (w/w) and 2% of antimicrobial compound (w/w) was the best formulation. This research demonstrates the feasibility of an alginate-based antimicrobial edible coating, which acts as a carrier of antimicrobial compounds for fresh-cut pineapple.

Factors that affect liquid chemical intervention methods of controlling pathogens on fresh-cut produce were investigated. The relationship between produce tissue structure (intercellular space, cell size, and cell distribution) and the sanitizing effectiveness of liquid chemical treatment was studied. Experiments determined if sanitizer contact with bacteria could be improved through the use of surfactants and different application methods (drop application method, negative pressure differential, and sonication). To test these factors, a model sanitizer, H2O2, and a model microorganism: Salmonella Typhimurium, along with various fresh-cut produce (apple, pear, carrot, and potato) were tested. Microscopic analysis revealed a very complicated pore structure consisting of irregular capillaries. S. Typhimurium was found to survive in all produce tested, and washing did not significantly reduced inoculated bacteria regardless of the bacterial incubation time or produce type. The results showed that a 3% H2O2 solution reduced S. Typhimurium in produce and the solution’s efficiency varied in the following descending order: potato>apple>carrot>pear. In seven min treatments, bacteria were reduced by 2.5 CFU/ml in potato, 2.3 CFU/ml in apple, 1.5 CFU/ml in carrot, and 0.7 CFU/ml in pear. There was no direct evidence on how intercellular space, its percentage or cellular distribution and shape affected efficiency, but some possibilites were discussed. The rate and extent of liquid penetration, and how varying pore diameter in each cell or air space prevent complete chemical treatment penetration were also analyzed. It was determined that bacterial density has a slight effect in bacterial reduction but this depends on type of produce inoculated. The use of surfactants did not improve bacterial reduction in either washing or chemical treatments, and neither did the use of drop application method or temperature differential. On the other hand, applying the chemical treatment with a surfactant while using a sonicator did improve the treatment’s efficiency. This thesis provides a number of factors to be considered when designing a chemical treatment and a guideline for further research in areas such as rate and extent of liquid chemical treatment penetration into fresh-cut produce.

The consumption of fresh-cut fruits has been increasing in recent years due to their health benefits. Fresh-cut cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) represents a great snack alternative due to its low caloric content, freshness, and basic component of a healthy diet. One of the latest alternatives to reduce the decay of quality brought by minimal processing of fruits is the development of edible coatings. Acting as a barrier to moisture and gases, the coatings are expected to extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut products, thus the main objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of an antimicrobial edible coating on the shelf-life of fresh cut cantaloupe (stored at 4 degrees C for 15 days) while maintaining its quality attributes. The effect of different coating compositions and their concentrations on a product's chemical properties and quality attributes was studied. A set of solutions containing chitosan, beta-cyclodextrin, trans-cinnamaldehyde, pectin and calcium chloride were used as coating systems for the fruit using the layer-by-layer method. Quality was measured in terms of texture, color, weight loss, moisture, acidity, and pH. In addition, a consumer sensory test was carried out to support the findings from the objective quality data. Microbiological tests were carried out to determine the effectiveness of trans-cinnamaldehyde as antimicrobial agent within the coating. Uncoated fresh-cut cantaloupe samples stored at 4 degrees C served as controls. In terms of microbiological and physicochemical quality attributes, the antimicrobial coating improved the shelf-life of fresh-cut cantaloupe (up to 12 days), compared to the controls (only 6 days). The coating composed of 2% antimicrobial, 2% chitosan and 1% pectin was the most effective in terms of consumer's acceptance (P<0.05) and shelf-life extension. The results indicated that different ratios between solutions present a variation for each specific quality attribute. The thicker the coating, the firmer the fruit and different thicknesses resulted in different amounts of antimicrobial compound in the coating, thus critically affecting the shelf-life of the product. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a new generation of edible coating for fresh-cut cantaloupe, the coating consists of using a system specially designed to allow the incorporation of natural antimicrobial agents by means of the application of microencapsulation and the layer-by-layer assembly.

Fresh-cut watermelon is appreciated for its taste, flavor, and juiciness. However, there are challenges in maintaining the freshness since fresh-cut processing of fruits promotes faster deterioration. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of multilayered antimicrobial edible coating on the shelf-life of fresh-cut watermelon while keeping its original attributes for longer, without affecting its sensory properties. A set of solutions containing sodium alginate (0.5, 1, 2% w/w), beta-cyclodextrin, trans-cinnamaldehyde (antimicrobial agent), pectin, and calcium lactate were used as coating systems for fresh-cut watermelon cylinders. The samples were coated by the layer-by-layer dipping technique and stored at 4 degrees C for 15 days. Results were analyzed individually for each quality attribute evaluated, and the best concentration among the solutions to improve each attribute was found. Watermelon quality was measured in terms of texture, color, juice leakage (weight loss), oBrix, and pH. Microbiological analysis consisted of total coliforms, yeasts and molds, aerobics, and psychrotrophs. A consumer test was carried out (~ 40 panelists) to support the objective quality data. Panelists scored the samples using a 9-point hedonic scale. Uncoated samples served as controls. Quality tests were conducted at days 1, 3, 7, 12, and 15 of storage. Sensory tests showed high acceptance (P < 0.05) of the coated samples when compared to the controls. Quality attributes, particularly texture (firmness) and juice leakage (weight loss) were enhanced (P < 0.05) by the coating. Microbiological analysis demonstrated that alginate-based edible coating has a huge effect against microbial growth. 1% sodium alginate coating provided better preservation in terms of quality parameters, microbiological growth, and sensory acceptance. These results indicate that different ratios between solutions present a significant variation for each quality attribute measured in this study; and the thickness of the coating as well as the amount of antimicrobial are critical for shelf-life extension of fresh-cut watermelon. Hence, application of an alginate based multilayered edible coating has tremendous potential to enhance microbial quality and extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut watermelon.

Submitted by José Sidnaldo Pinsetta Junior (j.pinsetta@gmail.com) on 2018-07-25T00:08:38Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação José Sidnaldo Pinsetta Junior - versão final.pdf: 4463450 bytes, checksum: 1f7984d7f6b9905aa1c1ff1247d39508 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Karina Gimenes Fernandes null (karinagi@fcav.unesp.br) on 2018-07-25T10:45:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 pinsettajunior_js_me_jabo.pdf: 4201809 bytes, checksum: b644c7389d5dfd07f09c8a0bc7398586 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-25T10:45:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 pinsettajunior_js_me_jabo.pdf: 4201809 bytes, checksum: b644c7389d5dfd07f09c8a0bc7398586 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-07-12 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A berinjela é uma olerícola de grande importância em diversos países e seu consumo tem aumentado no Brasil devido às características nutricionais para a alimentação humana. No entanto, esse vegetal apresenta limitações de comercialização como produto minimamente processado devido ao rápido escurecimento enzimático após o corte. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os efeitos do recobrimento comestível a base de hidroxipropilmetilcelulose (HPMC) combinado, ou não, com agentes antiescurecimento sobre a qualidade de berinjelas minimamente processadas (BMP). Foram utilizadas berinjelas da cv Nápoli higienizadas e processadas em cubos, com posterior aplicação os recobrimentos por aspersão. Na primeira etapa foram testadas três formulações de HPMC + Cera de Abelha (CA) nas concentrações de 20, 40 e 60%. No segundo experimento testou-se o efeito do HPMC associado ao ácido cítrico (0,5; 1 e 1,5 %) e no terceiro experimento, ao ácido ascórbico (0,5; 1 e 1,5 %). As BPM foram acondicionadas em embalagens de PET (Polietileno tereftalato) e armazenadas em expositores refrigerados a 5°C. As análises foram realizadas a cada 3 dias até 12 dias, determinando-se a perda acumulada de massa fresca, firmeza, índice de brancura, composição gasosa do interior da embalagem, determinação de acetaldeído e etanol, compostos fenólicos totais, atividade das enzimas polifenoloxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) e fenilalanina amônia-liase (PAL), e contagem microbiana (microrganismos aeróbios mesófilos, coliformes totais e E. coli). O recobrimento com HPMC+40% de cera de abelha reduziu a atividade de enzimas responsáveis pelo escurecimento e a adição de 0,5% de ácido cítrico ou 1% de ácido ascórbico ao recobrimento levou a uma menor síntese de compostos fenólicos e menor atividade enzimática. / The eggplant is a vegetable of great importance in many countries and it has an increasing consumption in Brazil thanks to nutritional benefits for human health. Nevertheless, it presents limitations to commercialization due to fast enzymatic browning after cutting. The aim of this Project was to study the effects of an edible coating Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) based in association, or not, with food aditives on the quality of fresh-cut eggplant (FCE). Eggplants cv. "Napoli" were sanitised and processed in cubes of 2,5 x 2,5 x 2,5 cm and later sprayed with the coatings. In the first step, three HPMC and Beewax (BW), 20, 40 and 60% emulsions were tested. In the second experiment, the effect of HPMC+40% BW associated with citric acid (0,5; 1 e 1,5 %) were assessed and in a third experiment, in association with ascorbic acid (0,5; 1 e 1,5 %). The FCE was packed in PET trays and stored at 5°C. Analysis were carried out each 3 days until 12 days. It was assessed the accumulated loss of fresh matter, firmness, whiteness index, atmosphere inside packaging, acetaldehyde and ethanol determination, total phenols, enzyme activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and microbiology counting (total mesophilic aerobic count, total coliforms and E. coli). The coating with HPMC+40% BW reduced the activity of enzymes responsible for browning and the addition of 0,5% of citric acid or 1% of ascorbic acid to the coating led to a lower synthesis of phenolic compounds and to lower enzymatic activity. / FAPESP: 2016/23600-1

Master of Science / Food Science Institute / Fadi M. Aramouni / Fresh cut fruits are products with minimal processing, modified by cutting, washing, packaging and refrigeration. The objective of this review is to present an overview of the available technologies for processing fresh cut fruits and technologies that could have some potential to be used in the future due to the increased consumption of fresh cut fruits. Fresh cut products are ready to eat, have high moisture content, have lack of lethal step to eliminate microbial pathogens and have the potential for temperature abuse; all these factors make quality and safety a priority. Fresh cut products sales have increased as a consequence of increased consumption of fruits and consumer attitudes toward convenience. Fresh cut fruit differ from fresh fruits in that the tissue and cell integrity have may been disrupted resulting in consequences such as changes in ethylene production, respiration, membrane degradation, metabolite accumulation, water loss and microba spoilage. However, the response to cutting depends on other variables such as cultivars, maturity and raw material quality, shape of cut, sharpness of blade, temperature and atmospheric composition. Consequently, there are enzymatic changes that impact the shelf life and quality of these products. In addition to quality and safety the nutritional value is an important factor too because consumers demand products as close to fresh as possible. The evaluation of the nutrient losses and how to reduce them through different treatments such as the introduction of vitamins and minerals in coating treatments or other treatment has become a priority too. There is a real need to find alternatives for preservation of fresh-cut fruit in order to minimize the changes that occur in the fruit tissues as a consequence of wounding. Alternatives, combined or modified methods have been proposed such as the use of alternative antibrowning, ethylene scrubbing, heat treatments, alternative antimicrobials, alternative packaging films, vacuum impregnation, osmotic dehydration, high hydrostatic pressure, use of edible coatings, radiation, bio preservation and other technologies.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / The pulsed light (PL) is a technology emergent used as abiotic stressor to increase the content of phytochemicals of fruits and vegetables. However, their effects vary depending on the cultivar, the dose hormetic, the mode of application of dose and the maturation stage of fruits. In this work, we start from the main hypothesis that changes in the metabolism of the fruits of mangoes treated with low doses of pulsed light would trigger responses that result in a positive impact on the content of phytochemicals, without any negative effect on the fruit quality parameters. This work was divided into three chapters. Chapter I is a literature review and state of the art of the main topics covered throughout the study. In the second chapter (experiment I), mangoes mature physiologically (maturation stage 3) were subjected to a hormetic dose of pulsed light 0.6 J cm-2 and analyzed after 7 days storage at 20 ÂC, for the physicochemical characteristics [soluble solid (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, overall appearance, color and firmness], enzymatic antioxidant metabolism [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)] and non-enzymatic [ascorbate, total carotenoids, total anthocyanins, yellow flavonoids, total phenolic, mangiferin content and total antioxidant activity], membrane integrity [lipid peroxidation (MDA), hydrogen peroxide content and electrolyte leakage], phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity (PAL), enzymes of enzymatic browning [polyphenoloxidase (PPO), peroxidase of guaiacol (GPOD) and activity of enzymes wall cell [pectinmethylesterase (PME) and polygalacturonase (PG)] and the influence of treatment on tissue histology. The activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase was found to be substantially enhanced in both the epicarp and the mesocarp of fruits exposed to PL after 7 days at 20 ÂC. There were no differences in indicators of cell wall and membrane integrity such as MDA content suggesting that the PL-associated oxidative stress was effectively prevented by the enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes after 7 days. Activities of cell wall enzymes were reduced after 7 days in the PL-treated fruits. Microscopic as well as macroscopic observations confirmed that PL-treated fruits were not damaged. We observed that contents in total carotenoids, in total phenolic, and, to a lesser extent, in vitamin C, were dramatically increased after 7 days, generally in both the epicarp and the mesocarp PL-treated resulting in fruits with high antioxidant capacity. Carotenoids increased 350% in treated-pulp at J7. The higher levels in phenolics in treated-peel (+97%) were associated with enhanced activity of PAL (+98%) and enhanced content in mangiferin (+42%). Although G-POD in the mesocarp and PPO in the epicarp increased 1268% and 22% respectively, after 7 days in the PL-treated fruits, we did not observe increases in browning. Was observed at the end of the experiment I an increase of phytochemicals in mangoes subjected to hormetic dose of 0.6 J cm-2 without negative changes in fruit quality. In the third chapter (experiment II), mangoes minimally processed (maturation stage 4) were subjected to four different treatments: control (not flashed), 1 pulse, 4 pulses, and 1 pulse (4 days) prior to storage at 6 ÂC in order to assess whether the mode of application of the different doses used could interfere on physiochemical variables [firmness, color, SS, loss weight and rate respiration] the bioactive compounds [ascorbate (AsA) and carotenoids] and total antioxidant activity by a storage period of 7 days at 6 ÂC. Samples flashed with 1 pulse during 4 alternated days (4 x 0.6 J cm-2 = 2.80 J cm-2) increased the total ascorbate (AsA) (~40% more than the control) at time 7 days but the cubes of mangoes are darker than treatment that received the same dose of 4 successive pulses (2.80 J cm-2). At end of storage fresh cut mangoes received 4 successive pulses exhibited a better quality in comparison to the other treatments that was associated a higher content carotenoid (0.894 mg g-1) and antioxidant activity (~145 &#956;mol trolox 100 g-1). In conclusion, our data suggest that a hormetic dose of pulsed light can be used to increase concentrations of phytochemical compounds without negative effects on the quality criteria. / A luz pulsada (LP) à uma tecnologia emergente usada como estressor abiÃtico para aumentar o teor de fitoquÃmicos em frutos e vegetais. No entanto, seus efeitos variam dependendo da cultivar, da dose hormÃtica, do modo de aplicaÃÃo da dose e do estÃdio de maturaÃÃo do fruto. Neste trabalho, partimos da hipÃtese de que alteraÃÃes no metabolismo dos frutos de mangas tratadas por baixas doses de luz pulsada desencadeariam respostas que resultariam em um impacto positivo sobre o conteÃdo de fitoquÃmicos, sem qualquer efeito negativo sobre os parÃmetros de qualidade dos frutos. Este trabalho foi dividido em trÃs capÃtulos. O capÃtulo I trata de uma revisÃo de literatura e estado da arte dos principais tÃpicos abordados ao longo do estudo. No segundo capÃtulo (experimento I), mangas fisiologicamente maduras (estÃgio de maturaÃÃo 3) foram submetidas a uma dose de luz pulsada de 0,6 J cm-2 e analisadas decorridos 7 dias de armazenamento a 20 ÂC, quanto Ãs caracterÃsticas fisico-quÃmicas [sÃlidos solÃveis (SS), acidez titulÃvel (AT), relaÃÃo SS/AT, aparÃncia geral cor, firmeza], metabolismo antioxidante enzimÃtico [dismutase do superÃxido (SOD), catalase (CAT) e peroxidase do ascorbato (APX)] e nÃo-enzimÃtico [vitamina C, carotenÃides totais, antocianinas totais, flavonÃides amarelos, polifenÃis totais, conteÃdo de mangiferina e atividade antioxidante total], integridade de membrana [peroxidaÃÃo lipÃdica (MDA), perÃxido de hidrogÃnio e extravasamento de eletrÃlitos], atividade da fenilalanina amÃnia liase (PAL), atividade das enzimas de escurecimento [polifenoloxidase (PPO) e peroxidase do guaiacol (G-POD)], atividade das enzimas de parede celular [pectinametilesterase (PME) e poligalacturonase (PG)] e a influÃncia do tratamento na histologia dos tecidos. A atividade das enzimas antioxidantes como a dismutase superÃxido e a catalase encontraram-se elevadas tanto na polpa quanto na casca dos frutos expostos à LP apÃs 7 dias a 20 ÂC. NÃo foram encontradas diferenÃas significativas nos indicadores de parede celular e integridade de membrana como o MDA, sugerindo que o estresse oxidativo associado à LP foi efetivamente prevenido atravÃs do aumento da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes apÃs 7 dias. Atividades das enzimas de parede celular foram reduzidas apÃs 7 dias nos frutos tratados. ObservaÃÃes macroscÃpicas e microscÃpicas confirmaram que os frutos nÃo foram danificados pela LP. O conteÃdo de carotenÃides totais, fenÃlicos, e em menor extensÃo, a vitamina C, foram dramaticamente aumentados apÃs 7 dias, tanto no epicarpo como mesocarpo tratados pela LP, resultando em frutos com alta capacidade antioxidante. CarotenÃides aumentaram 350% na polpa tratada pela LP apÃs 7 dias. Os nÃveis mais elevados de compostos fenÃlicos (+97%) na casca tratada foram associados a uma atividade aumentada da PAL (+98%) e conteÃdo de mangiferina (+42%). As atividades da G-POD no mesocarpo e da PPO no epicarpo aumentaram 1268% e 22% respectivamente, apÃs 7 dias nos frutos tratados, no entanto, nÃo foi observado escurecimento dos frutos. Observou-se, ao final do primeiro experimento, um aumento dos fitoquÃmicos em mangas submetidas a dose hormÃtica de 0,6 J cm-2 sem alteraÃÃes negativas na qualidade dos frutos. No terceiro capÃtulo (experimento II), mangas minimamente processadas (estÃgio de maturaÃÃo 4), foram submetidas a quatro diferentes tratamentos: controle, 1 pulso, 4 pulsos e 1 pulso por dia durante 4 dias, com o objetivo de avaliar se o modo de aplicaÃÃo da LP poderia interferir nas variÃveis fisico-quÃmicas [firmeza, SS, cor, perda de matÃria fresca e taxa de respiraÃÃo], compostos bioativos [carotenÃides e vitamina C] e atividade antioxidante total quando armazenamentos durante 7 dias a 6 ÂC. Amostras que receberam 4 pulsos alternados (4 x 0,7 J cm-2 = 2,80 J cm-2), aumentaram o conteÃdo de ascorbato total (~40%) apÃs 7 dias, no entanto, os cubos apresentaram-se mais escuros do que o tratamento que recebeu a mesma dose de 4 pulsos sucessivos. No final do perÃodo de armazenamento, as mangas minimamente processadas que receberam 4 pulsos sucessivos exibiram uma melhor qualidade em comparaÃÃo com os demais tratamentos, que foi associado ao elevado teor de carotenÃides (0,894 mg g-1 MF) e atividade antioxidante (~145 &#956;mol trolox 100 g-1). Como conclusÃo, nossos dados sugerem que uma dose hormÃtica de luz pulsada pode ser utilizada para aumentar as concentraÃÃes de compostos fitoquÃmicos sem efeitos negativos na qualidade de frutos de mangas âTommy Atkinsâ.