EFFECT OF TREATMENT DURATION WITH ERGOTHIONEINE-LOADED CHITOSAN NANOSCALE PARTICLES ON DISCOLORATION AND LIPID OXIDATION IN REFRIGERATED YELLOWFIN TUNA CUBES

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of treatment duration with ergothioneine-loaded chitosan nanoscale particles (ECNP) on discoloration and lipid oxidation in yellowfin tuna cubes during refrigerated storage at 3 ± 1 °C for 5 days. Yellowfin tuna cubes were treated with ECNP at a dose of 250 mg/kg and kept for different treatment durations: 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and a control (no treatment). The results showed that treatment duration significantly influenced the ability of ECNP to retard discoloration and lipid oxidation in refrigerated yellowfin tuna cubes. A treatment duration of 60 min effectively preserved the quality of A grade tuna cubes for up to 3 days of refrigerated storage. Extending the treatment duration to 90 min did not result in a significant improvement compared to 60 min. These findings suggest that a 60-min treatment duration is appropriate for preventing lipid oxidation and discoloration in refrigerated yellowfin tuna cubes.