Synthesis and properties of core-shell thymol-loaded zein/shellac nanoparticles by coaxial electrospray as edible coatings

Yaowen Liu; Siying Li; Hui Li; Md Alomgir Hossen; Dur E. Sameen; Jianwu Dai; Wen Qin; KangJu Lee

Materials & Design (Dec 2021)

Synthesis and properties of core-shell thymol-loaded zein/shellac nanoparticles by coaxial electrospray as edible coatings

Yaowen Liu,
Siying Li,
Hui Li,
Md Alomgir Hossen,
Dur E. Sameen,
Jianwu Dai,
Wen Qin,
KangJu Lee

Affiliations

Yaowen Liu: College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China; Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Corresponding authors at: College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China (Y. Liu). Department of Healthcare and Medical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, South Korea (K. Lee).
Siying Li: College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
Hui Li: College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
Md Alomgir Hossen: College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
Dur E. Sameen: College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
Jianwu Dai: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
Wen Qin: College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
KangJu Lee: Department of Healthcare and Medical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, South Korea; Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Corresponding authors at: College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China (Y. Liu). Department of Healthcare and Medical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, South Korea (K. Lee).

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 212
p. 110214

Abstract

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In this study, a coaxial electrospray process was used to produce nanoparticles, in which thymol was encapsulated in a core–shell of zein and shellac. We then investigated fluid velocity and solution concentrations on the electrospray. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the thymol/zein/shellac particles prepared at a flow rate ratio of 0.6:0.3 mL/h were rounder with smaller diameters. The highest encapsulation efficiency of thymol was 81.34%, the average particle size was 606.53 nm, and the retention rate of thymol was 68.74% after 30 days. Moreover, we investigated the thermal stability, antimicrobial activity, and simulated gastrointestinal release curves of the nanoparticles. Finally, the nanoparticles were used as a coating for fresh-cut cantaloupe. Compared with the blank nanoparticle control group, the coating significantly extended the shelf life of cantaloupe to 16 days. Our results indicate that these nanoparticles have great potential for application in food preservation.

Published in Materials & Design

ISSN: 0264-1275 (Print); 1873-4197 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/materials-and-design

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