The use of natural antimicrobials in combination with PLtreatments
is a feasible alternative to develop efficient hurdle
treatments for microbial control of fresh-cut produce. The treatments
combining PL and MA resulted in significantly greater microbial
growth inhibition than either PL or MA alone, achieving
more than 3 log reductions in L. innocua and E. coli populations just
after processing. On the other hand, more than 5 log reductions ofboth microorganisms were reached for fresh-cut avocado, watermelon
and mushroom throughout storage. Microbial survival after
the combination of treatments depended on the kind of substrate
and microorganism type. TEM observations demonstrated that
major damage to bacterial cells, especially to E. coli cells, is caused
by treatments combination due to agglutination of cytoplasmic
content and disruption of cell membrane leading to microbial
death. Future studies should aim at considering further combinations
of nonthermal technologies that allow a better preservation of
the fresh-like characteristics of the raw produce.