Formulation and development of lipid nanoparticle antifungal packaging films to control postharvest disease

Abstract

Postharvest loss is a major problem in the produce industry. It is important to find alternative solutions to minimize waste. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical, physical, and antifungal properties of packaging films loaded with active essential oil compounds (EOC) in the form of liquid lipid nanodroplets and solid lipid nanoparticles. Food-grade emulsions with sub-micron droplets were used to encapsulate cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and thymol using liquid (refined coconut oil) and solid (hydrogenated palm oil) carrier oils and incorporated into pullulan packaging systems. Emulsion-doped active films were characterized for their tensile strength, moisture content, color, and antifungal activity against Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria spp., and Aspergillus niger. The tensile strength values of active films were similar (P > 0.05) to control films without emulsions. Overall active packaging films presented good elasticity and ductility. The control formulations showed no antifungal activity. All active films exhibited significant (P < 0.05) inhibition zones against the tested fungi. This study demonstrates the potential application of pullulan packaging films loaded with EOC nanoemulsions as a means of controlling and reducing postharvest disease in produce during shipping and storage.

Keywords

• Nanoemulsion
• Solid lipid nanoparticles
• Encapsulation
• Antifungal packaging
• Produce
• Postharvest loss