Biophysical Characterization of Autochthonous and New Apple Cultivar Surfaces

Apples have long been known for their beneficial effects on human health due to the presence of various bioactive compounds. It is therefore very important understand biophysical properties apple cuticle that dictate apples’ storability and quality. The purpose this work was determine roughness, hydrophobicity, surface potential, color autochthonous new cultivars. roughness measured by optical profilometer, hydrophobicity tensiometer, zeta potential electro kinetic analyser, chroma meter. Measurements reveal cultivar Elstar has roughest while Crown Prince Rudolph lowest roughness. Under normal physiological conditions, all surfaces were negatively charged, with Wax having highest values; most cultivars had an isoelectric point at around pH = 3. slightly more hydrophobic than those autochthonous. We conclude differ in properties, which might impact transpiration, bacterial/fungi adhesion and, consequently, storage shelf life potential.