Physicochemical properties and structural changes in vegetative tissues as affected by a direct current electrical field

Cylindrical pieces of potato, sweet potato, kohlrabi, radish, and pear were interposed between a pair of electrodes, and a direct current was applied. A special custom-made apparatus enabled the use of differently shaped electrodes. The electrical field was applied for 1 min at 40 V/cm and caused a reduction in specimen weight by a minimal value of 2.7% of initial weight in sweet potato to a maximum 38.4% in pear. The affected area of the tissue resembled the shape of the electrode. Pores were produced in the tissue (from the anode side), possibly promoting slow release of minerals and other cell components from the contracted specimens. From the cathode side, cell "sealing" could be observed. Weight loss was dependent on the mechanical properties of the nontreated vegetative tissue specimens. After confirmation that all samples pass through induced electrical shrinkage, further work, executed only on potato, demonstrated that after electrical treatment the samples were less brown (higher L* values). In addition, a dependence of weight loss on current intensity, electrode diameter, and surface ratio between the electrode and specimen was shown. The reduction in weight loss could be useful for initial drying of vegetative materials. Indirect proof of a decrease in enzyme activity as a result of electrical field application could be beneficial in replacing traditional methods for browning prevention.