The main goal of this work was to investigate changes in microbiological quality and dominant bacterial communities present in minimally processed Platycodi radix (Doraji) under vacuum packaging during cold storage using matirix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry fingerprinting. Microbiological analysis of raw Platycodi radix throughout the manufacturing process highlighted the presence of high numbers of total viable cells both before and after storage. Further, the dominant bacterial communities changed during processing and storage, with greater richness detected in Enterobacteriaceae; specifically, Serratia fonticola and Rahnella aquatilis became abundant in Platycodi radix after processing. During storage at 5 and 15℃, the quality diminished and the relative abundance of Leuconostoc spp. increased; Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides and Leuconostoc citreum were the main bacterial communities in decayed Platycodi radix at the end of storage. Microorganisms present in Platycodi radix products during processing and storage are potentially involved in deterioration. The identification of dominant bacteria can be helpful in the effective establishment of packaging and storage conditions to prolong the freshness of minimally processed Platycodi radix products.

• Kyung Min Park
• Mooncheol Jeong
• Kee Jai Park
• Minseon Koo Corresponding author