Optimized Alternating Current Electric Field and Light Irradiance for Caulerpa lentillifera Biomass Sustainability—An Innovative Approach for Potential Postharvest Applications

Abstract

Recently published preliminary data proposed alternating current electric field (ACEF) as a promising technique for the postharvest storage of seagrape (Caulerpa lentillifera). The current study suggested a combination of storage light irradiance (SLI) and ACEF (intensity and time) to enhance seagrape physicochemical quality (PQ). It utilized Taguchi orthogonal array design (OAD) to optimize the processing conditions. Results showed all the processing parameters had significant (p < 0.05) effects on seagrape PQ. This study found that 50 kV/m for 60 min (ACEF) and 9 mol photons m−2 s−1 performed the best inhibition on seagrape PQ deterioration. It revealed that adjusting the processing parameters in the range explored in this study (50, 125, 200 kV/m of ACEF intensity; 30, 60, 90 min of ACEF treatment time; 2, 9, 16 mol photons m−2 s−1 of SLI) can reduce up to 60% of total voltage usage compared to the previous study. With a sufficient SLI and an intermediate treatment time, the finest seagrape PQ can be sustained with a lower electric strength. Therefore, this method can benefit seagrape industries and contribute to realizing sustainable development goals by strengthening resource efficiency and lowering energy consumption.