Background: The present study aimed to determine whether the ozonation process affects the flavonoid biosynthesis in highbush blueberry (Vaccinum corymbosum L.) fruit. Flavanone 3β-hydroxylase (F3H) was used as a marker of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. The activity of F3H, the expression of gene encoding F3H and the antioxidant status in blueberries treated with ozone at a concentration of 15 ppm for 30 min, every 12 h of storage, and maintained at 4 °C for 4 weeks were investigated.
Results: The results showed that ozonation process increases the expression of the F3H gene after 1 week of storage, which translates into a higher catalytic capacity of protein, as well as a higher content of flavonoids and total antioxidant potential of ozonated blueberries compared to non-ozonated fruits.
Conclusion: The present study provides experimental evidence indicating that ozone treatment in proposed process conditions positively affects flavonoid metabolism in highbush blueberry fruit leading to the maintainance of the high quality of the fruit during storage. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Keywords: antioxidant; blueberry; enzyme; flavonoids; ozonation.
© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.