Effects of non-thermal plasma activated water and low temperature on wheat sprouts: a focus on photosynthetic pigments, protein and phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, antioxidant and prooxidant enzymes activity

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of non-thermal plasma activated water (PAW) in combination with low temperature (15 degrees C) on the biosynthetic potential, antioxidant activity and enzymes activity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa) sprouts. The exposure to three different types of PAW (PAW1, PAW2 or PAW3) and low temperature (15 degrees C) had positive influence on wheat sprouts. Content in proteins and photosynthetic pigments and activity of superoxide dismutase increased in wheat sprouts at day 3 and shoots at day 8. Peroxidase was stimulated in wheat sprouts (day 3) while catalase activation was detected in shoots (day 8). Polyphenol oxidase, responsible for enzymatic browning, was inhibited in shoots at day 8. PAW1 boosted free phenolic content in shoots at day 8. An increment in the antioxidant activity of bound phenolic fraction of shoots (day 8) under treatment with PAW1 was also detected. Overall, non-thermal PAW in combination with low temperature (15 degrees C) is an efficient approach to enhance the quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa) sprouts.