Moringa oil/chitosan nanoparticles embedded gelatin nanofibers for food packaging against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus on cheese

Carboxymethyl cellulose-chitosan edible films for food packaging: A review of recent advances

Polysaccharide-based edible films have been widely developed as food packaging materials in response to the rising environmental concerns caused by the extensive use of plastic packaging. In recent years, the integration of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan (CS) for a binary edible film has received considerable interest because this binary edible film can retain the advantages of both constituents (e.g., the great oxygen barrier ability of CMC and moderate antimicrobial activity of CS) while mitigating their respective disadvantages (e.g., the low water resistance of CMC and poor mechanical strength of CS). This review aims to present the latest advancements in CMC-CS edible films. The preparation methods and properties of CMC-CS edible films are comprehensively introduced. Potential additives and technologies utilized to enhance the properties are discussed. The applications of CMC-CS edible films on food products are summarized. Literature shows that the current preparation methods for CMC-CS edible film are solvent-casting (main) and thermo-mechanical methods. The CMC-CS binary films have superior properties compared to films made from a single constituent. Moreover, some properties, such as physical strength, antibacterial ability, and antioxidant activity, can be greatly enhanced via the incorporation of some bioactive substances (e.g. essential oils and nanomaterials). To date, several applications of CMC-CS edible films in vegetables, fruits, dry foods, dairy products, and meats have been studied. Overall, CMC-CS edible films are highly promising as food packaging materials.

Green fabrication of modified lignin/zeolite/chitosan-based composite membranes for preservation of perishable foods

Chitosan, as a kind of naturally occurring green and degradable material for the preservation of perishable foods, was investigated in this study with the objective of enhancing its preservation performances. Herein, lignin was modified using the solvent fractionation method (modified lignin, ML, including ML1-ML3), while natural clinoptilolite zeolite was modified using the alkali modification method (modified clinoptilolite zeolite, MCZ, including MCZ1-MCZ5). After optimizing the conditions, it was discovered that incorporating both ML3 and MCZ3 into pure chitosan-based membranes might be conducive to fabricate chitosan-based composite membranes for the preservation of perishable foods. As-prepared composite membranes possessed better visible light transmittance, antioxidant activity, and carbon dioxide/oxygen selectivity, resulting in improved preservation effects on the model perishable foods such as bananas, cherry tomatoes, and cheeses. These findings might indicate promising applications for chitosan-based composite membranes with modified lignin and zeolite in the field of eco-friendly degradable materials for the preservation of perishable foods.

Electrospun Nanofiber-Based Biosensors for Foodborne Bacteria Detection

Food contamination has emerged as a significant global health concern, posing substantial challenges to the food industry. Bacteria are the primary cause of foodborne diseases. Consequently, it is crucial to develop accurate and efficient sensing platforms to detect foodborne bacteria in food products. Among various detection methods, biosensors have emerged as a promising solution due to their portability, affordability, simplicity, selectivity, sensitivity, and rapidity. Electrospun nanofibers have gained increasing popularity in enhancing biosensor performance. These nanofibers possess a distinctive three-dimensional structure, providing a large surface area and ease of preparation. This review provides an overview of the electrospinning technique, nanofibers and nanofiber-based biosensors. It also explores their mechanisms and applications in the detection of foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas putida (P. putida).

Co-encapsulation of borage seed oil and peppermint oil blends within ultrasound-assisted soy protein isolate/purity gum ultra complex nanoparticles: Fabrication, structural interaction mechanisms, and in vitro digestion studies

This study aimed at co-encapsulating borage seed oil (BSO)- and peppermint oil (PO) blends in ultrasound-assisted complex nanoparticles stabilized by soy protein isolate (SPI) and purity gum ultra (PGU) in different ratios: SPI/PGU-1:0 (NP1), 0:1 (NP2), 1:1 (NP3), 1:3 (NP4), and 3:1 (NP5). The BSO- and PO-loaded SPI/PGU complex nanoparticles (BP-loaded SPNPs) coded as NP4 (SPI-PGU-1:3) revealed a zeta potential of -33.27 mV, a PDI of 0.14, and the highest encapsulation efficiency (81.38 %). The main interactions observed among SPI, PGU, BSO, PO, and a blend of BSO and PO, as determined by FTIR and molecular docking, involved hydrophobic effects, electrostatic attraction, and H-bonding. These interactions played crucial roles in the production of BP-loaded SPNPs. XRD results validated the alterations in the structure of BP-loaded SPNPs caused by varying proportions of SPI and PGU. The thermal capacity of BP-loaded SPNPs (NP4), as determined by TGA, exhibited the lowest amount of weight loss compared to other BP-loaded SPNPs. Morphological results revealed that NP4 and NP5 exhibited a spherical surface and two distinguishable layers, indicating successful coating of PGU onto the droplet surface. In addition, BP-loaded SPNPs (NP4) exhibited a higher antioxidant effect due to their improved progressive release and prolonged release of co-encapsulated BSO and PO during in vitro digestion. The comprehensive investigation of the co-encapsulation of BSO and PO in complex nanoparticles, dietary supplements, and double-layered emulsified systems provides valuable insights into the development of functional foods.

The preparation, resources, applications, and future trends of nanofibers in active food packaging: a review

Active packaging is a novel strategy for maintaining the shelf life of products and ensuring their safety, freshness, and integrity that has emerged with the consumer demand for safer, healthier, and higher quality food. Nanofibers have received a lot of attention for the application in active food packaging due to their high specific surface area, high porosity, and high loading capacity of active substances. Three common methods (electrospinning, solution blow spinning, and centrifugal spinning) for the preparation of nanofibers in active food packaging and their influencing parameters are presented, and advantages and disadvantages between these methods are compared. The main natural and synthetic polymeric substrate materials for the nanofiber preparation are discussed; and the application of nanofibers in active packaging is elaborated. The current limitations and future trends are also discussed. There have been many studies on the preparation of nanofibers using substrate materials from different sources for active food packaging. However, most of these studies are still in the laboratory research stage. Solving the issues of preparation efficiency and cost of nanofibers is the key to their application in commercial food packaging.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Cannabidiol Hot-Melt Extruded Solid Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Oral Applications

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a highly lipophilic compound with poor oral bioavailability, due to poor aqueous solubility and extensive pre-systemic metabolism. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of employing Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) technology for the continuous production of Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS) to improve the solubility and in vitro dissolution performance of CBD. Accordingly, different placebos were processed through HME in order to obtain a lead CBD loaded solid SEDDS. Two SEDDS were prepared with sesame oil, Poloxamer 188, Gelucire®59/14, PEO N80 and Soluplus®. Moreover, Vitamin E was added as an antioxidant. The SEDDS formulations demonstrated emulsification times of 9.19 and 9.30 min for F1 and F2 respectively. The formed emulsions showed smaller droplet size ranging from 150-400 nm that could improve lymphatic uptake of CBD and reduce first pass metabolism. Both formulations showed significantly faster in vitro dissolution rate (90% for F1 and 83% for F2) compared to 14% for the pure CBD within the first hour, giving an enhanced release profile. The formulations were tested for stability over a 60-day time period at 4°C, 25°C, and 40°C. Formulation F1 was stable over the 60-day time-period at 4°C. Therefore, the continuous HME technology could replace conventional methods for processing SEDDS and improve the oral delivery of CBD for better therapeutic outcomes.

Degradable chitosan-based bioplastic packaging: Design, preparation and applications

Food packaging is an essential part of food transportation, storage and preservation. Biodegradable biopolymers are a significant direction for the future development of food packaging materials. As a natural biological polysaccharide, chitosan has been widely concerned by researchers in the field of food packaging due to its excellent film-forming property, good antibacterial property and designability. Thus, the application research of chitosan-based food packaging films, coatings and aerogels has been greatly developed. In this review, recent advances on chitosan-based food packaging materials are summarized. Firstly, the development background of chitosan-based packaging materials was described, and then chitosan itself was introduced. In addition, the design, preparation and applications of films, coatings and aerogels in chitosan-based packaging for food preservation were discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of each research in the development of chitosan-based packaging materials were analyzed. Finally, the application prospects, challenges and suggestions for solving the problems of chitosan-based packaging are summarized and prospected.

Edible packaging as sustainable alternative to synthetic plastic: a comprehensive review

The choice of an appropriate packaging materials enhances the shelf life and improves quality of food during transportation, storage, and distribution. Development and innovations in food packaging systems have become essential in the food industry. Most widely used packaging materials are non-biodegradable plastics and are harmful to environment and human health. Thus, food industry is replacing non-biodegradable plastics with biodegradable plastics to reduce environmental pollution, health hazards, and food waste. Edible packaging may reduce food waste and keep perishables fresh. This review article compares edible packaging materials to synthetic ones and discusses their pollution-reducing effects. The several types of food packaging discussed in the review include those produced from polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and composite films. The various characteristics of edible packaging are reviewed, including its barrier qualities, carrier properties, mechanical capabilities, and edibility. The carrier properties describe the capacity to transport and manage the release of active substances, and the edibility indicates acceptance of these items by the customers. Plasticizers, antimicrobials, antioxidants, and emulsifiers were included in the edible packaging to enhance the characteristics of the film. The development and implementation of edible packaging on food products from the laboratory to large-scale industrial levels, as well as their potential industrial applications in the dairy, meat, confectionary, poultry, fish, fruit, and vegetable processing sectors are addressed.

Electrospun nanofiber-based sensors for the detection of chemical and biological contaminants/hazards in the food industries

Food contamination reveals a major health risk globally and presents a significant challenge for the food industry. It can stem from biological contaminants like pathogens, parasites, and viruses, or chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, drugs, and hormones. There is also the possibility of naturally occurring hazardous chemicals. Consequently, the development of sensing platforms has become crucial to accurately and rapidly identify contaminants and hazards in food products. Electrospun nanofibers (NFs) offer a promising solution due to their unique three-dimensional architecture, large specific surface area, and ease of preparation. Moreover, NFs exhibit excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and adaptability, making monitoring more convenient and environmentally friendly. These characteristics also significantly reduce the detection process of contaminants. NF-based sensors have the ability to detect a wide range of biological, chemicals, and physical hazards. Recent research on NFs-based sensors for the detection of various food contaminants/hazards, such as pathogens, pesticide/drugs residues, toxins, allergens, and heavy metals, is presented in this review.

Fabrication of Citrus bergamia essential oil-loaded sodium caseinate/peach gum nanocomplexes: Physicochemical, spectral, and structural characterization

`The objective of current research was to encapsulate citrus bergamia essential oil (CBEO) in nanocomplexes composed of sodium caseinate (SC) and peach gum polysaccharide (PG) in various ratios (SC/PG-1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1). The nanocomplexes formed by the combination of SC and PG in a ratio of 1:3 exhibited a zeta potential of -21.36 mV and a PDI of 0.25. The CBEO-loaded SC/PG (1:3) nanocomplexes revealed the maximum encapsulation efficiency (82.47 %) and loading capacity (1.85 %). FTIR also confirmed the secondary structure variations in response to different ratios of CBEO-loaded SC/PG nanocomplexes. In addition, the XRD and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis also revealed structural changes among CBEO nanocomplexes. The thermal capability of CBEO-loaded SC/PG (1:3) nanocomplexes via TGA showed the minimum weight loss among other complexes. SEM and CLSM analysis demonstrated the uniform distribution and spherical morphology of CBEO-loaded SC/PG (1:3) nanocomplexes. The antioxidant activity of free CBEO was significantly improved in CBEO-loaded nanocomplexes. Likewise, the inhibitory activity of CBEO-loaded nanocomplexes exhibited significantly higher antibacterial action against S. aureus and E. coli. The aforementioned perspective suggests that SC/PG nanocomplexes have potent potential to serve as highly effective nanocarriers with a broad spectrum of uses in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.

Development of films based on chitosan, gelatin and collagen extracted from bocachico scales (Prochilodus magdalenae)

Biodegradable biopolymers from species of the animal kingdom or their byproducts are sustainable as ecological materials due to their abundant supply and compatibility with the environment. The research aims to obtain a biodegradable active material from chitosan, gelatin, and collagen from bocachico scales (Prochilodus magdalenae). Regarding the methodology, films were developed from gelatin, chitosan, and collagen from bocachico scales (Prochilodus magdalenae) at different concentrations using glycerol as a plasticizer and citric acid as a cross-linker. The films were obtained with the hydrated mass processed by compression molding and characterized according to humidity, water solubility, contact angle, mechanical properties, and structural properties. The results of the films showed a hydrophobic characteristic. First, the chitosan-collagen (CS/CO) films showed a yellowish color, while the gelatin-collagen (Gel/CO) films were transparent and less soluble than the gelatin-collagen (Gel/CO) films. Concerning mechanical properties, gelatin films showed higher stiffness and tensile strength than chitosan films. Furthermore, in the morphological analysis, more homogeneous chitosan films were obtained by increasing the concentration of citric acid. In general, chitosan, gelatin, and collagen extracted from the scales of the bocachico (Prochilodus magdalenae) are an alternative in the application of films in the food industry.

Development of biomaterials based on chitosan-gelatin nanofibers encapsulated with Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil and Heracleum persicum extract for extending the shelf-life of vacuum-cooked beef sausages

The aims of the current study were to encapsulate Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil (ZEO, 0%, 0.15%, and 0.25%) and Heracleum persicum extract (HPE, 0%, 0.25%, and 0.5%) into the chitosan-gelatin (CH-GE) nanofibers through the electrospinning process to improve the shelf-life of vacuum-cooked beef sausages through 70 days of refrigerated storage. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that all nanofibers appeared thin, well-defined, smooth, and possessed uniform thread-like fibers without any beads or nodule formations. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study confirmed the molecular interaction between encapsulated compounds and CH-GE nanofibers. The X-ray diffraction analysis of nanofibers showed an increase in crystallinity after incorporating ZEO and HPE into the polymer. Treated sausages with CH-GE-ZEO 0.25%-HPE 0.25% and CH-GE-ZEO 0.25%-HPE 0.5% showed significantly lower microbial population and lipid oxidation than the control group during the experiment period (P < 0.05). Sausages formulated with designated CH-GE nanofibers had better microbial, chemical, and sensory properties compared to sausages treated with pure ZEO/HPE during refrigerated storage. The findings also showed that treated sausages with CH-GE-ZEO 0.25%-HPE 0.5% had the highest color, odor, texture, and overall acceptability after 70 days of refrigerated storage conditions. Therefore, this treatment could be applicable for the prolonged storage conditions during cooked beef sausage production.

Current status, technology, regulation and future perspectives of essential oils usage in the food and drink industry

Nowadays, essential oils (EOs) have a wide use in many applications such as in food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and animal feed products. Consumers' preferences concerning healthier and safer foodstuffs lead to an increased demand for natural products, in replacement of synthetic substances, used as preservatives, flavourings etc. EOs, besides being safe, are promising alternatives as natural food additives, and much research has been carried out on their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The initial purpose of this review is to discuss conventional and 'green' extraction techniques along with their basic mechanism for the isolation of EOs from aromatic plants. This review aims to provide a broad overview of the current knowledge about the chemical constitution of EOs while considering the existence of different chemotypes, since bioactivity is attributed to the chemical composition - qualitative and quantitative - of EOs. Although the food industry primarily uses EOs as flavourings, an overview on recent applications of EOs in food systems and active packaging is provided. EOs exhibit poor solubility in water, oxidation susceptibility, negative organoleptic effect and volatility, restricting their use. Encapsulation techniques have been proven to be one of the best approaches to preserve the biological activities of EOs and minimize their effects on food sensory qualities. Herein, different encapsulation techniques and their basic mechanism for loading EOs are discussed. EOs are highly accepted by consumers, who are often under the misconception that 'natural' means safe. This is, however, an oversimplification, and the possible toxicity of EOs should be taken into consideration. Thus, in the final section of the current review, the focus is on current EU legislation, safety assessment and sensory evaluation of EOs. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Insight on Incorporation of Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Substances in Biopolymer-Based Active Packaging

The increasing interest in microbiological food safety requires the development of sensitive and reliable analyses and technologies for preserving food products' freshness and quality. Different types of packaging systems are one of the solutions for controlling microbiological activity in foods. During the last decades, the development of biopolymer-based active packaging with essential oil incorporation systems has resulted in technologies with exceptional application potential, primarily in the food industry. There is no doubt that this principle can facilitate food status monitoring, reduce food waste, extend the shelf life, improve the overall quality of food, or indicate a larger problem during the storage, production, and distribution of foodstuffs. On the other hand, most antimicrobial packaging systems are in the development phase, while the sensitivity, selectivity, complexity, and, above all, safety of these materials are just some of the essential questions that need to be answered before they can be widely used. The incorporation of essential oils as antimicrobial substances in biopolymer-based active packaging holds significant promise for enhancing food safety, extending shelf life, and offering more sustainable packaging solutions. While challenges exist, ongoing research and innovation in this field are likely to lead to the development of effective and environmentally friendly packaging systems with enhanced antimicrobial properties.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Nanoparticles against Listeria monocytogenes

Chitosan is obtained from the deacetylation of chitin, and it is known to possess antimicrobial activity. It has attracted attention as it may be used for treating infections caused by different types of microorganisms due to its broad spectrum. Its application in the form of micro- or nanoparticles (CM/CN) has expanded its usage, as in this form, it retains its activity, and remain stable in aqueous solutions. However, inconsistencies in the results reported by different authors have been identified. In this communication, the antimicrobial activity of CN produced from different starting materials was tested against Listeria monocytogenes. It was observed that, even though all the starting materials were reported to have a molecular weight (MW) below 200 kDa and degree of deacetylation (DD) > 75%, the size of the CNs were significantly different (263 nm vs. 607 nm). Furthermore, these differences in sizes exerted a direct effect on the antimicrobial properties of the particles, as when testing the ones with the smallest size, i.e., 263 nm, a lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was achieved, i.e., 0.04 mg/mL. Even though the largest particles, i.e., 607 nm, in individual experiments were able to achieve an MIC of 0.03 mg/mL, the results with CN presented great variation among replicates and up to 0.2 mg/mL were needed in other replicates. The starting material has a critical impact on the properties of the CN, and it must be carefully characterized and selected for the intended application, and MW and DD solely do not fully account for these properties.

Fabrication and Characterization of Apple-Pectin-PVA-Based Nanofibers for Improved Viability of Probiotics

In the current study, apple-pectin-based novel nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and apple pectin (PEC) solution were mixed to obtain an optimized ratio for the preparation of electrospun nanofibers. The obtained nanofibers were characterized for their physiochemical, mechanical and thermal properties. The nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, an assay of the in vitro viability of free and encapsulated probiotics was carried out under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results of TGA revealed that the PVA/PEC nanofibers had good thermal stability. The probiotics encapsulated by electrospinning showed a high survival rate as compared to free cells under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Furthermore, encapsulated probiotics and free cells showed a 3 log (cfu/mL) and 10 log (cfu/mL) reduction, respectively, from 30 to 120 min of simulated digestion. These findings indicate that the PVA/PEC-based nanofibers have good barrier properties and could potentially be used for the improved viability of probiotics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and in the development of functional foods.

Comparison of chitosan and gelatin-based films and application to antimicrobial coatings enriched with grapefruit seed extract for cherry tomato preservation

Bio-based single, composite, and bilayer edible films were developed based on chitosan and gelatin, including grapefruit seed extract (GSE) as an antimicrobial agent. The physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of films were analyzed, and it was found that compounding and laminating two polymers could enhance their physicochemical properties. The composite film was strong, endurable, and flexible compared with the single ones. In addition, the composite and bilayer films had lower water vapor permeability than the single ones. Edible films and coatings with GSE presented a greater bactericidal effect than the inactive ones. In addition, the hardness, weight, and color changes of the coated cherry tomatoes during 7-day storage did not differ, whereas a bacterial reduction against Salmonella Typhimurium was revealed. Taken together, composite and bilayer films with CH and GL and enriched with GSE were developed for food packaging applications, and it showed improved mechanical, water barrier, and antimicrobial properties.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01254-9.

Nanostructured Antimicrobials for Quality and Safety Improvement in Dairy Products

In the food sector, one of the most important economic activities is the dairy industry, which has been facing many challenges in order to meet the increasing demand by consumers for natural and minimally processed products with high quality. In this sense, the application of innovative and emerging technologies can be an interesting alternative, for example, the use of nanotechnology in packaging and as delivery systems. This technology has the potential to improve the quality and safety of dairy products, representing an interesting approach for delivering food preservatives and improving the mechanical, barrier and functional properties of packaging. Several applications and promising results of nanostructures for dairy product preservation can be found throughout this review, including the use of metallic and polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based nanostructures, nanofibers, nanofilms and nanocoatings. In addition, some relevant examples of the direct application of nanostructured natural antimicrobials in milk and cheese are presented and discussed, as well as the use of milk agar as a model for a preliminary test. Despite their high cost and the difficulties for scale-up, interesting results of these technologies in dairy foods and packaging materials have promoted a growing interest of the dairy industry.

Potential of Essential Oils in the Control of Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen, the causative agent of listeriosis. Infections typically occur through consumption of foods, such as meats, fisheries, milk, vegetables, and fruits. Today, chemical preservatives are used in foods; however, due to their effects on human health, attention is increasingly turning to natural decontamination practices. One option is the application of essential oils (EOs) with antibacterial features, since EOs are considered by many authorities as being safe. In this review, we aimed to summarize the results of recent research focusing on EOs with antilisterial activity. We review different methods via which the antilisterial effect and the antimicrobial mode of action of EOs or their compounds can be investigated. In the second part of the review, results of those studies from the last 10 years are summarized, in which EOs with antilisterial effects were applied in and on different food matrices. This section only included those studies in which EOs or their pure compounds were tested alone, without combining them with any additional physical or chemical procedure or additive. Tests were performed at different temperatures and, in certain cases, by applying different coating materials. Although certain coatings can enhance the antilisterial effect of an EO, the most effective way is to mix the EO into the food matrix. In conclusion, the application of EOs is justified in the food industry as food preservatives and could help to eliminate this zoonotic bacterium from the food chain.

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.

Gelatin as a bioactive nanodelivery system for functional food applications

Gelatin has long been used as an encapsulant agent in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries because of its low cost, wide availability, biocompatibility, and degradability. However, the exploitation of gelatin for nanodelivery application is not fully achieved in the functional food filed. In this review article, we highlight the latest work being performed for gelatin-based nanocarriers, including polyelectrolyte complexes, nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, nanogels, and nanofibers. Specifically, we discuss the applications and challenges of these nanocarriers for stabilization and controlled release of bioactive compounds. To achieve better efficacy, gelatin is frequently used in combination with other biomaterials such as polysaccharides. The fabrication and synergistic effects of the newly developed gelatin composite nanocarriers are also present.

Impact of Longkong Pericarp Extract on the Physicochemical Properties of Alginate-Based Edible Nanoparticle Coatings and Quality Maintenance of Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) during Refrigerated Storage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of varying concentrations of longkong pericarp extract (LPE) on the physicochemical properties of alginate-based edible nanoparticle coatings (NP-ALG) on shrimp. For developing the nanoparticles, the alginate coating emulsion with different LPE concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) was ultrasonicated at 210 W with a frequency of 20 kHz for 10 min and a pulse duration of 1s on and 4 off. After that, the coating emulsion was separated into four treatments (T): T1: Coating solution containing basic ALG composition and without the addition of LPE or ultrasonication treatment; T2: ALG coating solution converted into nano-sized particles with ultrasonication and containing 0.5% LPE; T3: ALG coating solution converted into nano-sized particles with ultrasonication and containing 1.0% LPE; T4: ALG coating solution converted into nano-sized particles with ultrasonication and containing 1.5% LPE. A control (C) was also used, where distilled water was used instead of ALG coating. Before coating the shrimp, all the coating materials were tested for pH, viscosity, turbidity, whiteness index, particle size, and polydispersity index. The control samples had the highest pH and whiteness index and was followed by the lowest viscosity and turbidity (p < 0.05). Among the T1-T4 coating materials, T4 coating had higher turbidity, particle size, polydispersity index, but lower pH, viscosity, and whiteness index (p < 0.05). To study the quality and shelf-life of the shrimp, all coated shrimp samples were refrigerated at 4 °C for a period of 14 days. At 2-day intervals, physiochemical and microbial analyses were performed. The coated shrimp also had a lower increase in pH and weight loss over the storage period (p < 0.05). Coatings containing 1.5% LPE significantly reduced the polyphenol oxidase activity in the shrimp (p > 0.05). The addition of LPE to NP-ALG coatings demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity against protein and lipid oxidation. The highest LPE concentration (1.5%) led to increased total and reactive sulfhydryl content, along with a significant decrease in carbonyl content, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, p-anisidine, and totox values at the end of the storage period (p < 0.05). Additionally, NP-ALG-LPE coated shrimp samples exhibited an excellent antimicrobial property and significantly inhibited the growth of total viable count, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and psychotropic bacteria during storage. These results suggested that NP-ALG-LPE 1.5% coatings effectively maintained the quality as well as extended the shelf-life of shrimp during 14 days of refrigerated storage. Therefore, the use of nanoparticle-based LPE edible coating could be a new and effective way to maintain the quality of shrimp during prolonged storage.

An eco-friendly chitosan/cellulose acetate hybrid nanostructure containing Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oils for active food packaging applications

This work presents the fabrication and characterization of a hybrid nanostructure, Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oils (ZEO)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs-ZEO) embedded into cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers (CA-CSNPs-ZEO). The CSNPs-ZEO were first synthesized through the ionic gelation method. Then, through simultaneous electrospraying and electrospinning processes, the nanoparticles were embedded in the CA nanofibers. The morphological and physicochemical characteristics of the prepared nanostructures were evaluated using different methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture content (MC), mechanical testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and release profile studies. The antibacterial activity of the nanostructures was explored on raw beef as a food model during 12 days of storage at 4 °C. The obtained results indicated the successful synthesis of CSNPs-ZEO nanoparticles with an average size of 267 ± 6 nm and their incorporation into the nanofibers matrix. Moreover, the CA-CSNPs-ZEO nanostructure showed a lower water vapor barrier and higher tensile strength compared with ZEO-loaded CA (CA-ZEO) nanofiber. The CA-CSNPs-ZEO nanostructure also exhibited strong antibacterial activity, which effectively extended the shelf-life of raw beef. The results demonstrated a strong potential for innovative hybrid nanostructures in active packaging to maintain the quality of perishable food products.

Antimicrobial Activity of Gelatin Nanofibers Enriched by Essential Oils against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin condition that is caused by an imbalance in skin microbiomes mainly by the overgrowth of strains such as Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis which affect both teenagers and adults. Drug resistance, dosing, mood alteration, and other issues hinder traditional therapy. This study aimed to create a novel dissolvable nanofiber patch containing essential oils (EOs) from Lavandula angustifolia and Mentha piperita for acne vulgaris treatment. The EOs were characterized based on antioxidant activity and chemical composition using HPLC and GC/MS analysis. The antimicrobial activity against C. acnes and S. epidermidis was observed by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The MICs were in the range of 5.7-9.4 μL/mL, and MBCs 9.4-25.0 μL/mL. The EOs were integrated into gelatin nanofibers by electrospinning and SEM images of the fibers were taken. Only the addition of 20% of pure essential oil led to minor diameter and morphology alteration. The agar diffusion tests were performed. Pure and diluted Eos in almond oil exhibited a strong antibacterial effect on C. acnes and S. epidermidis. After incorporation into nanofibers, we were able to focus the antimicrobial effect only on the spot of application with no effect on the surrounding microorganisms. Lastly, for cytotoxicity evaluation, and MTT assay was performed with promising results that samples in the tested range had a low impact on HaCaT cell line viability. In conclusion, our gelatin nanofibers containing EOs are suitable for further investigation as prospective antimicrobial patches for acne vulgaris local treatment.

Influence of preparation techniques of cellulose II nanocrystals as reinforcement for tannery solid waste-based gelatin composite films

Tannery waste-based gelatin composite film reinforced with cellulose II nanocrystal (CNC II) extracted from wet wipes using three different hydrolysis techniques is explored for its functional properties and possible utilization as a biodegradable packaging material. CNC II isolated using hydrogen peroxide (PCNC), citric acid (CCNC), and hydrochloric acid (HCNC) differed in morphological and crystalline character as investigated using DLS, FE-SEM, FTIR, and XRD analysis. The crystallinity of PCNC, CCNC, and HCNC was found to be 81.1%, 75.4%, and 86.1%, respectively. The highly crystalline CNC II (PCNC) incorporation improved mechanical stiffness of rawhide trimming waste-based gelatin films by 50% compared to control gelatin film. Maximum thermal decomposition with Tmax of 329 °C was obtained for gelatin films with PCNC nano-reinforcement. Films with CNC II were structurally stable and sufficiently antibacterial against Gram-positive S. aureus microbial strain. Strong interfacial non-covalent and hydrogen bonding interactions between gelatin and cellulose II nanocrystal have likely enhanced the properties of the composite films. Incorporation of CNC II reduced the surface wettability of the films and nanocomposites absorbed UV radiation as evidenced by transmittance value T280 of 0.19%. Nanocomposite films degraded up to 79.9% of initial mass within 7 days of soil burial. Furthermore, based on the optimized system, single-use packaging application of eggplant seeds has been demonstrated.

Hybrid Systems of Nanofibers and Polymeric Nanoparticles for Biological Application and Delivery Systems

Nanomedicine is a new discipline resulting from the combination of nanotechnology and biomedicine. Nanomedicine has contributed to the development of new and improved treatments, diagnoses, and therapies. In this field, nanoparticles have notable importance due to their unique properties and characteristics, which are useful in different applications, including tissue engineering, biomarkers, and drug delivery systems. Electrospinning is a versatile technique used to produce fibrous mats. The high surface area of the electrospun mats makes them suitable for applications in fields using nanoparticles. Electrospun mats are used for tissue engineering, wound dressing, water-treatment filters, biosensors, nanocomposites, medical implants, protective clothing materials, cosmetics, and drug delivery systems. The combination of nanoparticles with nanofibers creates hybrid systems that acquire properties that differ from their components' characteristics. By utilizing nanoparticles and nanofibers composed of dissimilar polymers, the two synergize to improve the overall performance of electrospinning mats and nanoparticles. This review summarizes the hybrid systems of polymeric nanoparticles and polymeric nanofibers, critically analyzing how the combination improves the properties of the materials and contributes to the reduction of some disadvantages found in nanometric devices and systems.

Cannabidiol Loaded Topical Ophthalmic Nanoemulsion Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Normotensive Dutch-Belted Rabbits

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the major non-psychoactive and most widely studied of the cannabinoid constituents and has great therapeutic potential in a variety of diseases. However, contradictory reports in the literature with respect to CBD's effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) have raised concerns and halted research exploring its use in ocular therapeutics. Therefore, the current investigation aimed to further evaluate CBD's impact on the IOP in the rabbit model. CBD nanoemulsions, containing Carbopol® 940 NF as a mucoadhesive agent (CBD-NEC), were prepared using hot-homogenization followed by probe sonication. The stability of the formulations post-moist-heat sterilization, in terms of physical and chemical characteristics, was studied for three different storage conditions. The effect of the formulation on the intraocular pressure (IOP) profile in normotensive Dutch Belted male rabbits was then examined. The lead CBD-NEC formulation (1% w/v CBD) exhibited a globule size of 259 ± 2.0 nm, 0.27 ± 0.01 PDI, and 23.2 ± 0.4 cP viscosity, and was physically and chemically stable for one month (last time point tested) at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C. CBD-NEC significantly lowered the IOP in the treated eyes for up to 360 min, with a peak drop in IOP of 4.5 mmHg observed at the 150 min time point, post-topical application. The IOP of the contralateral eye (untreated) was also observed to be lowered significantly, but the effect lasted up to the 180 min time point only. Overall, topically administered CBD, formulated in a mucoadhesive nanoemulsion formulation, reduced the IOP in the animal model studied. The results support further exploration of CBD as a therapeutic option for various inflammation-based ocular diseases.

A Comprehensive Review of Moringa oleifera Bioactive Compounds-Cytotoxicity Evaluation and Their Encapsulation

Moringa oleifera Lam. has gained a lot of attention due to its potential use as a functional food not only for human health but also for animal health. Its bioactive molecules include carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, fatty acids, essential amino acids, and functional peptides. Despite significant efforts to isolate and characterize bioactive metabolites with health functions, few effective metabolites are accessible. The current review aims to describe the main processes for extracting and encapsulating bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera for potential impact on food science and public health. Researchers have shown that different extraction techniques significantly impact the Moringa polysaccharides' molecular structure and biological activity. Encapsulation has been proposed to reduce oxidative stability and entrap active agents within a carrier material to deliver bioactive molecules into foods. Currently, polysaccharides and proteins, followed by lipids, are used for material encapsulation. Recent techniques include spray drying, cross-linking gelation, freeze-drying, nanoencapsulation, electrospinning, and electrospraying. Moreover, these encapsulations can overlap concerns regarding the Moringa oleifera compounds' cytotoxicity. Future studies should prioritize the effect of new encapsulation materials on Moringa extract and develop new techniques that consider both encapsulation cost and efficiency.

Biobased polymer resources and essential oils: a green combination for antibacterial applications

To fight nosocomial infections, the excessive use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, which are now considered a relevant public health threat by the World Health Organization. To date, most antibacterial systems are based on the use of petro-sourced polymers, but the global supplies of these resources are depleting. Besides, silver NPs are widely accepted as the most active biocide against a wide range of bacterial strains but their toxicity is an issue. The growing interest in natural products has gained increasing interest in the last decade. Therefore, the design of functional antibacterial materials derived from biomass remains a significant challenge for the scientific community. Consequently, attention has shifted to naturally occurring substances such as essential oils (EOs), which are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). EOs can offer an alternative to the common antimicrobial agents as an inner solution or biocide agent to inhibit the resistance mechanism. Herein, this review not only aims at providing developments in the antibacterial modes of action of EOs against various bacterial strains and the recent advances in genomic and proteomic techniques for the elucidation of these mechanisms but also presents examples of biobased polymer resource-based EO materials and their antibacterial activities. Especially, we describe the antibacterial properties of biobased polymers, e.g. cellulose, starch, chitosan, PLA PHAs and proteins, associated with EOs (cinnamon (CEO), clove (CLEO), bergamot (BEO), ginger (GEO), lemongrass (LEO), caraway (CAEO), rosemary (REO), Eucalyptus globulus (EGEO), tea tree (TTEO), orange peel (OPEO) and apricot (Prunus armeniaca) kernel (AKEO) essential oils). Finally, we discuss the influence of EOs on the mechanical strength of bio-based materials.

Design of Topical Moxifloxacin Mucoadhesive Nanoemulsion for the Management of Ocular Bacterial Infections

Ocular bacterial infections can lead to serious visual disability without proper treatment. Moxifloxacin (MOX) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a monotherapy for ocular bacterial infections and is available commercially as an ophthalmic solution (0.5% w/v). However, precorneal retention, drainage, and low bioavailability remain the foremost challenges associated with current commercial eyedrops. With this study, we aimed to design a MOX-loaded nanoemulsion (NE; MOX-NE) with mucoadhesive agents (MOX-NEM) to sustain MOX release, as well as to overcome the potential drawbacks of the current commercial ophthalmic formulation. MOX-NE and MOX-NEM formulations were prepared by hot homogenization coupled with probe sonication technique and subsequently characterized. The lead formulations were further evaluated for in vitro release, ex vivo transcorneal permeation, sterilization, and antimicrobial efficacy studies. Commercial MOX ophthalmic solution was used as a control. The lead formulations showed the desired physicochemical properties and viscosity. All lead formulations showed sustained release profiles a period of more than 12 h. Filtered and autoclaved lead formulations were stable for one month (the last time point tested) under refrigeration and at room temperature. Ex vivo transcorneal permeation studies revealed a 2.1-fold improvement in MOX permeation of the lead MOX-NE formulation compared with Vigamox^® eyedrops. However, MOX-NEM formulations showed similar flux and permeability coefficients to those of Vigamox^® eyedrops. The lead formulations showed similar in vitro antibacterial activity as the commercial eyedrops and crude drug solution. Therefore, MOX-NE and MOX-NEM formulations could serve as effective delivery vehicles for MOX and could improve treatment outcomes in different ocular bacterial infections.

Antimicrobial Nanomaterials for Food Packaging

Food packaging plays a key role in offering safe and quality food products to consumers by providing protection and extending shelf life. Food packaging is a multifaceted field based on food science and engineering, microbiology, and chemistry, all of which have contributed significantly to maintaining physicochemical attributes such as color, flavor, moisture content, and texture of foods and their raw materials, in addition to ensuring freedom from oxidation and microbial deterioration. Antimicrobial food packaging systems, in addition to their function as conventional food packaging, are designed to arrest microbial growth on food surfaces, thereby enhancing food stability and quality. Nanomaterials with unique physiochemical and antibacterial properties are widely explored in food packaging as preservatives and antimicrobials, to extend the shelf life of packed food products. Various nanomaterials that are used in food packaging include nanocomposites composing nanoparticles such as silver, copper, gold, titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, mesoporous silica and graphene-based inorganic nanoparticles; gelatin; alginate; cellulose; chitosan-based polymeric nanoparticles; lipid nanoparticles; nanoemulsion; nanoliposomes; nanosponges; and nanofibers. Antimicrobial nanomaterial-based packaging systems are fabricated to exhibit greater efficiency against microbial contaminants. Recently, smart food packaging systems indicating the presence of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms have been investigated by various research groups. The present review summarizes recent updates on various nanomaterials used in the field of food packaging technology, with potential applications as antimicrobial, antioxidant equipped with technology conferring smart functions and mechanisms in food packaging.

Advancements in Biodegradable Active Films for Food Packaging: Effects of Nano/Microcapsule Incorporation

Food packaging plays a fundamental role in the modern food industry as a main process to preserve the quality of food products from manufacture to consumption. New food packaging technologies are being developed that are formulated with natural compounds by substituting synthetic/chemical antimicrobial and antioxidant agents to fulfill consumers' expectations for healthy food. The strategy of incorporating natural antimicrobial compounds into food packaging structures is a recent and promising technology to reach this goal. Concepts such as "biodegradable packaging", "active packaging", and "bioactive packaging" currently guide the research and development of food packaging. However, the use of natural compounds faces some challenges, including weak stability and sensitivity to processing and storage conditions. The nano/microencapsulation of these bioactive compounds enhances their stability and controls their release. In addition, biodegradable packaging materials are gaining great attention in the face of ever-growing environmental concerns about plastic pollution. They are a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to conventional plastic packaging materials. Ultimately, a combined formulation of nano/microencapsulated antimicrobial and antioxidant natural molecules, incorporated into a biodegradable food packaging system, offers many benefits by preventing food spoilage, extending the shelf life of food, reducing plastic and food waste, and preserving the freshness and quality of food. The main objective of this review is to illustrate the latest advances in the principal biodegradable materials used in the development of active antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging systems, as well as the most common nano/microencapsulated active natural agents incorporated into these food-packaging materials.

A Novel Biocompatible Ternary Nanoparticle with High Antibacterial Activity: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Application in Beef Preservation

Edible nanoparticles containing antibacterial agents are one of the effective strategies to control foodborne diseases. Herein, novel ternary nanoparticles (TNP) were prepared from rosemary essential oil (REO), nisin and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) through hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction. The average particle size of TNP was 211.5 nm, and its encapsulation efficiency reached 86.6%. After the addition of LBP, the physical stability, thermal stability and storage stability of TNP were significantly improved. In vitro, compared with the control group, the population of S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 in the TNP-treated group was reduced by 2.386 log CFU/mL and 1.966 log CFU/mL, respectively, on the fifth day. The free radical scavenging rate of TNP was 63.15%. The application of TNP on beef presented favorable preservation effects without affecting its color and texture. Therefore, the synthesis strategy of TNP has important reference significance for the research and development of new food antibacterial agents.

Fabrication of chitosan-based food packaging film impregnated with turmeric essential oil (TEO)-loaded magnetic-silica nanocomposites for surimi preservation

Successful modification of chitosan (CS) film using magnetic-silica nanocomposite to encapsulate turmeric essential oil (TEO) obtained by super critical CO2 extraction for enhanced preservation of surimi was performed. TEO exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activities against Bacillus cereus. The core magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were capped with porous silica (Si) to form core-shell nanocomposites, into which TEO was loaded with 75.24% encapsulation efficiency. The fabricated nanocomposite was characterized, blended with CS to cast a bionanocomposite active film and characterized for efficient impregnation of bionanocomposite. The physical and mechanical properties of film were significantly improved after adding MNPs/Si/TEO nanocomposite. Uncontrolled release of TEO from CS film resulted in bacterial growth after 6 days of storage whereas bionanocomposites exhibited a sustained release of TEO that controlled the microbial load from 4.0 log CFU/g to 2.78 log CFU/g over 14 days. The overall study demonstrated that the CS/MNPs/Si/TEO bionanocomposite film was efficient as a packaging material for prolonged shelf-life of surimi.

Optimization of Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil Using Response Surface Methodological Approach and Its Antioxidant Activity

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) seed oil is an edible vegetable oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, the supercritical CO₂ fluid extraction method was employed to obtain the maximum yield of moringa seed oil. The effects of temperature, time, and pressure, three characteristics of extractions, on the extraction rate of Moringa seed oil were investigated by single factor test and response surface methodological approach. The optimal process conditions of supercritical CO₂ fluid extraction of moringa seed oil were determined as extraction temperature of 45°C, extraction time of 2.5 h, extraction pressure of 50 MPa, and CO₂ flow rate of 240 L/h, resulting in a maximum yield of 38.54%. Composition analysis shows that the extracted moringa seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid, octadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, eicosanoic acid, etc. Furthermore, we found that Moringa seed oil exerted potent antioxidant activities on DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, and its efficacy was comparable to commercial peanut oil and tea oil. Overall, this novel extraction method of moringa seed oil may increase its potential value and application in the food and nutraceutical industries.