# Fresh apple slice preservation driven by molecular hydrogen.
> 分子状水素を活用した新鮮リンゴスライスの鮮度保持に関する研究


## Abstract

During 8-day cold storage (4°C, 85% relative humidity), fresh-cut apple slices exhibited progressive surface browning and physiological deterioration that correlated with declining endogenous hydrogen gas (H2) levels. To clarify whether exogenous H2 supply could counteract these changes, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) containing 0.01%, 0.1%, or 1% H2 was evaluated. Among the concentrations tested, 0.1% H2-MAP partially restored H2 homeostasis and most effectively retarded browning and water loss. Sensory quality, nutritional content, and antioxidant capacity were all better maintained compared with controls. Non-targeted metabolomics combined with molecular analyses revealed marked upregulation of flavonoid biosynthesis via the phenylpropanoid pathway under positive ion mode detection. These findings indicate that H2-MAP represents a promising approach for extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of fresh-cut fruit products.

### Mechanism

Exogenous H2 supply activates the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway, upregulating flavonoid biosynthesis, which sustains antioxidant capacity and suppresses enzymatic browning and physiological deterioration in fresh-cut apple tissue.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Jin S, Zhu G, Wang H, Zhou XQ, Cao F, Wang Z, et al.
- **Journal**: Food Chem
- **Year**: 2025 (2025-10-01)
- **PMID**: [40446655](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40446655/)
- **DOI**: [10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.144886](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.144886)
- **Study type**: other
- **Delivery route**: in vitro
- **Effect reported**: positive
- **H2 concentration**: 0.01–1%

## Delivery context

This is basic research at the cellular or molecular level. For human application, inhalation is the most promising delivery route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

This is basic research at the cellular or molecular level. For human application, inhalation is the most promising delivery route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 40446655. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/40446655
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [40446655](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40446655/)