The objective of thiswork was to evaluate the effect of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based biodegradable film packaging
combining 0.5% nisin antimicrobial polypeptide on the physicochemical and microbial quality of Boletus edulis
wild edible mushrooms stored at 4 ± 1 °C. The experiment was set up by packaging mushrooms with extruded
PLA films containing 0, 7.5, and 15wt.% triethyl citrate plasticizer. The low-density polyethylene (LDPE) filmwas
used as the control. Mushrooms stored in PLA films containing 7.5 and 15 wt.% plasticizer provided better
retention of quality characteristics and received higher sensory ratings compared to mushrooms stored in pure
PLA film and LDPE film. Sampleswith these two treatments underwentminimal changes in texture, PPO activity,
total bacteria count, and sensory attributes. Results suggest that nisin in combination with plasticized PLA film
has the potential to maintain B. edulis wild edible mushroom quality and extend its postharvest life to 18 days.
Industrial relevance: B. edulis is one of the most commercialized mushrooms worldwide. However, as with all
fresh mushrooms, there are severe preservation problems. Extruded PLA films containing triethyl citrate
plasticizer plus antimicrobial agent nisin proved to be a suitable technology for mushroom conservation. This
material exhibits an environmental-friendliness potential and a high versatility in food packaging.