High Inhibitory Effect of 2-Nitrobenzaldehyde on the Photodegradation of Erythrocytes, the Production of Singlet Oxygen, and Meat Color Change

In this study, 2-nitrobenzaldehyde as a protection agent strongly and influentially blocked singlet oxygen generation and consequently meat color change and erythrocyte photodegradation. The preservation rate of the sheep erythrocyte model and the maintenance of the photosensitizer in the presence of sodium azide (NaN₃) as a recognized scavenger of singlet oxygen, 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, and 3-nitrobenzaldehyde were decreased in the order of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde > NaN₃ > 3-nitrobenzaldehyde. Also, the results from proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) declared that the coating of erythrocytes with 2-nitrobenzaldehyde resulted in a reduction of photooxidation by 27.6%. Conversely, the scavenging of singlet oxygen after 5 min of irradiation within the visible spectrum range, when 2-nitrobenzaldehyde was present, was reduced to 41.5%. Similarly, the results of spectroscopic reflectometry indicated that 2-nitrobenzaldehyde has a high deterrent effect on sheep meat photodiscoloration. The results of this study is valuable for the preservation of meat and food products against photoirradiation and are applicable in packaging industry.