Abstract
This study evaluated protein hydrolysates derived from Turkmen melon seeds (TMSPH), produced using Protamex, as bioactive components in a polyethylene (PL)-nanoclay (NC) edible nanocomposite coating for extending the shelf life of button mushrooms. Five treatments were examined: uncoated control, PL, PL-NC, and PL-NC enriched with 0.5% and 1% TMSPH. Mushrooms were stored at 4 °C for 16 days, and physicochemical, microbial, and sensory attributes were evaluated. Incorporation of TMSPH significantly (p < 0.05) reduced weight loss, preserved texture, limited browning, and suppressed microbial growth. Notably, the PL-NC coating containing 1% TMSPH reduced weight loss by approximately 12% and decreased total microbial counts by about 4.4 log CFU/g compared with the control on day 16. Sensory evaluation showed that 1% TMSPH achieved the highest overall acceptability. These findings indicate that TMSPH-enriched PL-NC coatings offer a natural and effective strategy for improving the postharvest quality and marketability of button mushrooms.