Apple-based coatings incorporated with wild apple isolated yeast to reduce Penicillium expansum postharvest decay of apples

• Active films made with apple-based polymers carrying M. pulcherrima were developed. • The higher yeast viability was observed in films made with “apple residues.” • MC and “apple residues” films exerted high antifungal activity in vitro . • A coating made with “apple residues” was successfully applied as a coating on apples. • Active coatings reduced the growth of P. expansum and patulin content on apples. The aim of this work has been to prevent the growth of Penicillium expansum on the surface of apples by means of the use of biocontrol agents in combination with edible coatings. For that, Metschnikowia pulcherrima yeast isolated from wild apples was incorporated in edible film matrices based on pectins, cellulose ethers with and without the addition of liquid culture medium (yeast extract and glucose) and apple pomace residues. The viability and biocontrol activity of the yeast incorporated in the films were evaluated after film drying process and after being stored for 21 days at 10 °C. Furthermore, the matrix that exhibited the best results was applied as a coating on apples artificially inoculated with P. expansum in order to evaluate its antifungal activity against P. expansum during storage and to prevent the production of its mycotoxin, the patulin. M. pulcherrima remained viable in films after drying step and after 21 days storage, but viability depended on the matrix composition, being lower in pectin films and higher in apple pomace films. The highest antimicrobial activity in vitro was observed in methylcellulose films supplemented with yeast extract and glucose (YEG), and in apple pomace residues films, matrix which was therefore selected to be applied as coatings on apples inoculated with P. expansum . The results proved that bioactive coatings significantly reduce P. expansum growth and patulin production during storage. The results obtained in this work give added value to the apple industry residues which, in combination with apple isolated M. pulcherrima can be applied as coatings on apples to provide protection against blue mold and its mycotoxin as an alternative of postharvest disease management.