Abstract:

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of high carbon dioxide (CO2) modified atmosphere packaging
on the quality of Litopenaeus vannamei. To this end, L. vannamei samples were packaged in modified atmospheres with
different CO2 contents, i.e., 100% CO2, 80% CO2 + 20% N2 and 50% CO2 + 10% O2 + 40% N2, and air (which was used as
control), respectively, and then stored at (4 ± 1) ℃ for 10 days. Shrimp quality indices including microbial growth, total
volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), myofibril length, hardness value, polyphenol oxidase activity, whiteness and sensory
attributes were determined every 2 days during the storage period. The results showed that the CO2 modified atmosphere
packaging could effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria and the activity of polyphenol oxidase, and the inhibitory effect
increased with increasing CO2 concentration in package. However, higher TVB-N content, lower hardness value, shorter
myofibril length and more severe sensory quality loss were observed in samples stored at 100% CO2 in comparison with
those stored at 80% CO2. In term of whiteness value, no obvious difference was found between 50% CO2 treatment and the
control. Therefore, among the three modified atmosphere packaging treatments, 80% CO2 + 20% N2 treatment was the most
favorable, which could prolong the shelf life of L. vannamei to 8 days.

Key words: Litopenaeus vannamei, carbon dioxide, modified atmosphere packaging, quality