Changes in the bioactive properties of strawberries caused by the storage in oxygen‐ and carbon dioxide‐enriched atmospheres

The changes in the antioxidant capacity, anti‐inflammatory, and wound healing properties of strawberry fruits as a consequence of the storage in atmospheres enriched in oxygen and carbon dioxide were investigated. Berries were exposed to two different gas compositions: 70% O2 + 20% CO2 and 90% O2 + 10% CO2, and stored for up to 20 days at 5°C. The antioxidant capacity, assessed through DPPH and FRAP methods, decreased around 17% in samples exposed to 70% O2 + 20% CO2 at day 20. However, the antioxidant activity of fruits stored in 90% O2 + 10% CO2 was maintained until day 20 and experienced an increase of around 10% on day 10. Moreover, strawberry stored in 90% O2 + 10% CO2 at days 5–10 showed an improved suppression of the pro‐inflammatory genes Cox‐2 and iNOS up to 30% higher than samples at day 0 in an in vitro LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage culture. In addition, berries exposed to 90% O2 + 10% CO2 at day 10 showed a human dermal fibroblast migration 30% higher than samples at day 0 in an in vitro skin‐fibroblast‐migration model. Therefore, evidence suggests that strawberry storage in 90% O2 + 10% CO2 can be a promissory alternative to offer fruits with enhanced bioactivity. The effect of the refrigerated storage of strawberry in 70% O2 + 20% CO2 and 90% O2 + 10% CO2 for 20 days on the antioxidant capacity, the anti‐inflammatory properties, and the wound healing effects was analyzed. Fruits stored in 90% O2 + 10% CO2 improved Cox‐2 and iNOS gene suppression. Strawberries stored in 90% O2 + 10% CO2 improved wound healing at day 10.