Metabolomic analysis of banana during postharvest senescence by 1H-high resolution-NMR

Abstract: Banana is a tropical fruit widely accepted by people over the world. Its chemical composition is critical for the organoleptic property and nutritional value. In this work, the metabolites change during postharvest senescence was investigated by using NMR spectroscopy. The 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic information revealed the primary and secondary metabolites in banana fruit, including organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates and phenolics. Bananas at five senescence stages showed similar chemical profiles, but the levels of the individual compounds varied to a large extent. The principal metabolites responsible for postharvest senescence of banana were valine, alanine, aspartic acid, choline, acetate, glucose, malic acid, gallic acid and dopamine. At stage V, ethanol was present due to the conversion of glucose. Salsolinol was generated due to the conversion of dopamine. This was a characteristic marker for the postharvest senescence of banana fruit.