Effect of epsilon-poly-L-lysine treatment on swelling, microbial growth and physicochemical quality of vacuum-packed lotus root

Vacuum-packed lotus roots are prone to swelling and quality deterioration when stored at temperatures above 15 degrees C. Our study aimed to investigate the impacts of epsilon-poly-L-lysine (epsilon-PL) application (0.35 and 0.7 g/L) on swelling, microbial proliferation and quality characteristics of vacuum-packed lotus roots stored at 25 degrees C for 15 d. Through 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, the primary bacterial genera responsible for bag swelling were identified as Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Pantoea. The treatment with 0.7 g/L epsilon-PL exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on these genera, effectively preventing swelling. Additionally, epsilon-PL treatment inhibited browning, suppressed the increase in total acid content, and maintained the levels of soluble sugars, total phenolics, and ascorbic acid. epsilon-PL assisted in retaining the flavor profile of lotus roots. These findings suggested that epsilon-PL was effective in preventing swelling, inhibiting microbial growth, and maintaining storage quality in vacuum-packed lotus roots.