A combined approach of lauroyl arginine ethyl ester hydrochloride and kojic acid in mitigating fresh-cut potato deterioration.

The combinational effects of kojic acid and lauroyl arginine ethyl ester hydrochloride (ELAH) on fresh-cut potatoes were investigated. Kojic acid of 0.6% (w/w) effectively inhibited the browning of fresh-cut potatoes and displayed antimicrobial capacity. The color difference value of samples was decreased from 175 to 26 by kojic acid. In contrast, ELAH could not effectively bind with the active sites of tyrosinase and catechol oxidase at molecular level. Although 0.5% (w/w) of ELAH prominently inhibited the microbial growth, it promoted the browning of samples. However, combining kojic acid and ELAH effectively inhibited the browning of samples and microbial growth during the storage and the color difference value of samples was decreased to 52. This amount of kojic acid inhibited enzyme activities toward phenolic compounds. The results indicated that combination of kojic acid and ELAH could provide a potential strategy to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut products.