Composite solutions of Phycocyanin and chitosan extend oyster shelf life

Yan Li; Li Liu; Youwei Du; Zihao Yin; Yue Zhao; Guangxin Feng; Mingyong Zeng

doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2025.102456

Composite solutions of Phycocyanin and chitosan extend oyster shelf life

Food Chem X. 2025 Apr 15:27:102456. doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2025.102456. eCollection 2025 Apr.

Authors

Yan Li^{1

2}, Li Liu^{1

2}, Youwei Du^{1

2}, Zihao Yin³, Yue Zhao^{1

2}, Guangxin Feng^{1

2}, Mingyong Zeng^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
² State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, Shandong Province Engineering Research Centre of Marine Food Preservation and Quality Control, China.
³ College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.

Abstract

Phycocyanin (PC), a blue antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pigment, was combined with 2.5 % chitosan (CTS) to form stable composite solutions. This study aimed to develop a CTS-PC composite solution with enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to improve oyster preservation. Structural compatibility was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Viscosity and contact angle analyses demonstrated encapsulation and barrier properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism, zeta potential, and particle size analyses revealed that hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic forces contributed to stability. PC enhanced hydrophobicity and antioxidant capacity, and the 0.05 % PC/CTS solution exhibited the best strongest inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.14 ± 0.08 mm). Immersion extended oyster shelf life from 4 days (control) to 12 days (0.1 % PC/CTS), outperforming the commercial preservative (6 days). These findings highlight the potential of this safe, eco-friendly preservation strategy for oysters and other chilled aquatic products.

Keywords: Antimicrobial property; Antioxidant activity; Chitosan; Composite solution; Oyster preservation; Phycocyanin.