Carvacrol release from PLA to a model food emulsion: Impact of oil droplet size

Food matrix design can influence the antimicrobial activity in the food systems: A narrative review

Antimicrobial agents are safe preservatives having the ability to protect foods from microbial spoilage and extend their shelf life. Many factors, including antimicrobials' chemical features, storage environments, delivery methods, and diffusion in foods, can affect their antimicrobial activities. The physical-chemical characteristics of the food itself play an important role in determining the efficacy of antimicrobial agents in foods; however the mechanisms behind it have not been fully explored. This review provides new insights and comprehensive knowledge regarding the impacts of the food matrix, including the food components and food (micro)structures, on the activities of antimicrobial agents. Studies of the last 10 years regarding the influences of the food structure on the effects of antimicrobial agents against the microorganisms' growth were summarized. The mechanisms underpinning the loss of the antimicrobial agents' activity in foods are proposed. Finally, some strategies/technologies to improve the protection of antimicrobial agents in specific food categories are discussed.

Preparation and insecticidal performance of sustained-release cinnamon essential oil microemulsion

BACKGROUND

To improve the utilization rate of cinnamon essential oil and compensate for the shortcomings of its easy decomposition and oxidation, the microemulsion of cinnamon essential oil was prepared using Tween 80 and anhydrous ethanol as surfactant and cosurfactant, respectively. The effects of the surfactant type, K_m value, preparation temperature and aqueous pH on the quality of the microemulsion were studied via a pseudo-ternary phase diagram. The slow-release performance of cinnamon essential oil microemulsion and the control performance of the insect repellent package on the rice weevil were characterized.

RESULTS

The results showed that, when Tween 80 was used as a surfactant and anhydrous ethanol was used as a cosurfactant, the K_m value was 3:1, preparation temperature was 40 °C, aqueous pH was 5 and prepared cinnamon essential oil microemulsion was of the O/W type. The microemulsion had strong stability and a 81.5-nm concentrated particle size distribution, and possessed excellent embedding and sustained-release effects. The prepared insect repellent active package prolongs the use time and the effect of cinnamon essential oil. The repellent rate of the rice weevil was as high as 100% after 48 h, and the contact mortality and fumigation mortality rates of the rice weevil also reached 96.67% and 86.67%, respectively, after 96 h.

CONCLUSION

The prepared cinnamon essential oil microemulsion and active packaging had a good sustained-release effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effect of pore size on the diffusion of volatile antimicrobials is a key factor to preserve gelled foods

This study aimed to understand how the microstructure of gelled foods impacts the diffusion of a volatile antimicrobial compound and its efficacy at different depths from the surface. Carvacrol-loaded polylactic acid film was used to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens in WPI-carrageenan gels during storage at 4 °C. The diffusion of antimicrobials was increased in gels having larger average pore size. The antimicrobial efficacy of the antimicrobial packaging was dependent on the diffusion of carvacrol within the gels. The final concentration of carvacrol in the top layer was more than 4 fold higher than that in the middle layer and more than 13-fold higher than that in the bottom layer, resulting in a more effective inhibition in the top layer than those in the middle and bottom layers. Our study demonstrates the importance of considering the diffusion of antimicrobials in solid/semi-solid foods in the antimicrobial packaging design.