Effectiveness of gelatine and chitosan spray coating for extending shelf life of vacuum-packaged beef

The effects of applying gelatine (10%) and chitosan (1%) as spray coatings to extend the shelf life of vacuum-packaged beef was studied and compared against uncoated vacuum-packaged beef for up to 21 days. The impact of edible coatings on the water-holding properties of vacuum-packaged beef was investigated by LF-NMR together with physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial assessments. Chitosan coating significantly reduced lipid oxidation by ~30% to 36% and inhibited the growth of lactic acid bacteriaby ~ 1–2 log cfu compared to purge collected from uncoated and gelatine coated samples. It did not negatively affect the meat pH, tenderness and colour, and exhibited significantly higher sensorial acceptance compared to beef coated with gelatine. Both coatings were not effective in reducing purge loss in vacuum-packaged meat as the storage time increased. This study suggests that chitosan spray coating could be easily adapted to industrial plant settings as an antioxidant and antimicrobial application before carrying out meat vacuum packaging operation.     

玉米醇溶蛋白涂膜保鲜章鱼烧的品质分析

本文通过研究玉米醇溶蛋白(Zein)、nisin和EDTA组合的Zein涂膜液的抑菌作用,及Zein涂膜章鱼烧保质期内微生物、TVB-N值和感官品质的变化,分析Zein涂膜对章鱼烧的保鲜效果。Nisin或Nisin-EDTA显著提高Zein涂膜液的菌抑制性,4℃的冷藏条件下,在18 d的贮藏过程中组合nisin或nisin-EDTA的Zein涂膜液涂膜处理章鱼烧样品的微生物总数升高值均低于1 log cfu/g,而对照章鱼烧样品微生物总数升高值高于3 log cfu/g;Zein涂膜处理显著性的抑制了章鱼烧的TVB-N值的升高、水分损失和冷藏过程中感官品质的劣变(p0.05),在4℃冷藏条件下,Zein涂膜可以将高品质章鱼烧货架期延长至12 d,复配有nisin或nisin-EDTA的Zein涂膜可以将高品质章鱼烧货架期延至第18 d。Zein涂膜能可作为改进章鱼烧生产工艺的技术参考。     

Study of Spray System Applications of Edible Coating Suspensions Based on Hydrocolloids Containing Cellulose Nanofibers on Grape Surface (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L.)

An edible coating is a useful technology to preserve fruit quality by covering them with a protective layer which improves the appearance and provides a semipermeable barrier for gases and water vapor transfer, allowing extension of their shelf life. In this study, edible coatings based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, k-carrageenan, glycerol, and cellulose nanofibers were formulated. The operational conditions of the spray system were studied to obtain a coating with optimal adhesion on grape (Vitis vinifera L.) surface. Furthermore, the physico-chemical properties of grapes covered with edible coatings were evaluated during refrigerated storage. A full factorial 2³ experimental design was applied, where liquid suspension flow (1–5 L h^?1), air pressure (50–200 kPa), and height of impact (0.3–0.5 m) were evaluated as independent variables, whereas the percentage of coating and thickness of coating was the response variables. Both mechanical and physico-chemical properties were evaluated during 41 days in both coated and uncoated grapes as shelf life criteria. Throughout the storage time, noticeable changes in pH and total soluble solids were not found in grapes covered with edible coatings and they showed the highest stability for the evaluated mechanical properties. Moreover, coated grapes showed final weight loss and water vapor permeability values of approximately 30 and 34% lower, respectively, than uncoated grapes, suggesting a shelf life extension.     

Effects of antimicrobial coating from catfish skin gelatin on quality and shelf life of fresh white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fish skin gelatin‐based antimicrobial coating on the shelf life of fresh white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Antimicrobial coating was prepared by incorporating potassium sorbate, sodium tripolyphosphate, or both ingredients in coating solution made from catfish skin gelatin. Shrimp samples were untreated, rinsed with water, or coated with the antimicrobial films, and then they were stored in ice under aerobic conditions. Samples were taken periodically and evaluated for total aerobic plate count, psychrotrophic bacteria count, near‐infrared spectrum (NIR), springiness, pH value, and color measurement. The results showed that the antimicrobial coating could retard microbial growth and prolong shelf life for up to 10 d. Partial least square analysis produced an acceptable model fitting between the NIR and the changes of microbial count in shrimp samples. The springiness and pH value of shrimp muscle were not affected by the coating treatments. Color parameter a* value increased linearly for all the treatments during the whole ice‐storage period. Practical Application: One of the most important technical and economic problems facing the shrimp industry is the relatively short shelf life of fresh shrimp products. Catfish skin gelatin‐based antibacterial edible films/coatings provide an ideal technique to solve this problem. The shrimp industry will be the immediate beneficiary of the study, and the information provided by this research will be expended to other seafood.     

Antimicrobial silver-montmorillonite nanoparticles to prolong the shelf life of fresh fruit salad

In this work, silver-montmorillonite (Ag-MMT) antimicrobial nanoparticles have been obtained by allowing silver ions from nitrate solutions to replace the Na⁺ of natural montmorillonite and then to be reduced by a thermal treatment. Ag-MMT were used as active antimicrobial compounds to improve the shelf life of fresh fruit salad. In order to assess their influence on product shelf life, sensorial and microbiological quality has been monitored during the storage. The microbiological quality was determined by monitoring the principal spoilage microorganisms (mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, coliforms, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds). Additionally, the evolution of sensorial quality was assessed by monitoring color, odor, firmness and product overall quality. The Ag-MMT nanoparticles seemed to be effective in inhibiting microbial growth, above all at the highest tested concentration. Consequently, the sensorial quality of samples stored in the active packaging appeared to be better preserved. Thus, experimental results showed that a significant shelf life prolongation of fresh fruit salad can be obtained by a straightforward new packaging system.     

Shelf life extension of durum semolina‐based fresh pasta

In this work, the combined effects of chitosan, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and packaging barrier properties on shelf life of fresh pasta is presented. In particular, all pasta samples were packaged under active and passive MAP in two different polymeric films with high and low barrier properties. In order to assess the influence of the variables described beforehand on the shelf life of pasta, the sensorial and microbiological quality has been monitored during storage. Results confirmed the antimicrobial properties of chitosan. Moreover, the findings recorded in this study suggest that the shelf life of fresh pasta is limited by the sensorial characteristics. Statistically significant differences between the shelf life of pasta packaged in low barrier and high barrier films were found. The best result was obtained for samples packaged in high barrier film, due to the ability of the packaging to maintain the gas headspace conditions during the storage.     

功能性可食用膜在生鲜肉和肉制品保鲜中的应用研究进展

近年来,无论是在包装领域还是食品保鲜领域,可食用膜都受到了国内外学者的极大关注。随着对其研究的深入,更多形式的可食用膜用于生鲜肉和肉制品保鲜。目前研究的热点主要集中于功能性可食用膜,但对于这种可食用膜的研究主要集中于果蔬制品上,其在生鲜肉和肉制品上的应用研究比较零散。本文对应用于生鲜肉和肉制品保鲜的功能性可食用膜进行较为系统的归类,对其改善生鲜肉和肉制品的品质和货架期的研究进行综述,对可食用膜与其他保鲜技术联合使用在肉制品保鲜中应用的发展进行介绍与分析。     

Innovations in the Development and Application of Edible Coatings for Fresh and Minimally Processed Fruits and Vegetables

ABSTRACT: One of the major growth segments in the food retail industry is fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables. This new market trend has thus increased the demands to the food industry for seeking new strategies to increase storability and shelf life and to enhance microbial safety of fresh produce. The technology of edible coatings has been considered as one of the potential approaches for meeting this demand. Edible coatings from renewable sources, including lipids, polysaccharides, and proteins, can function as barriers to water vapor, gases, and other solutes and also as carriers of many functional ingredients, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, thus enhancing quality and extending shelf life of fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables. This review discusses the rationale of using edible coatings on fresh and minimally processed produce, the challenges in developing effective coatings that meet the specific criteria of fruits and vegetables, the recent advances in the development of coating technology, the analytical techniques for measuring some important coating functionalities, and future research needs for supporting a broad range of commercial applications.     

Effects of Antimicrobial Edible Coating of Thymol Nanoemulsion/Quinoa Protein/Chitosan on the Safety,Sensorial Properties,and Quality of Refrigerated Strawberries (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fragaria × ananassa</Emphasis>) Under Commercial Storage Environment

The effectiveness of the edible coating with thymol nanoemulsion on the safety, sensorial properties, and quality of refrigerated strawberries was investigated under commercial storage conditions. Spontaneous emulsification was used to obtain the thymol nanoemulsion that was included on quinoa protein/chitosan coatings. During the entire storage time, strawberries coated with thymol-antimicrobial packaging had a lower fungal and yeast load compared with the controls (uncoated and coated with quinoa protein/chitosan). The flavour and aroma of the coated strawberries was initially affected, although this sensory appreciation was improved from the fifth day of storage and showed similar scores than the controls, and presenting better aroma score at day 12 of storage. Furthermore, the shelf life of the thymol nanoemulsion-coated strawberries increased in 4 days, unlike that in the both controls. Further, the application of these biocoatings on strawberries significantly decreased the weight loss relative to that in the control, during 16 days of storage at 5 °C and 90% relative humidity, and did not alter the quality parameters (pH, titrable acidity, and percentage of soluble solids). These results suggest that the application of thymol/nanomulsion-loaded edible films is an effective strategy to increase the shelf life of highly perishable products such as strawberries.     

散沫花提取物复合明胶膜对冷链运输及放置过程中牛肉品质的影响

本研究调查了以墨鱼皮明胶和散沫花提取物（HAE）作为天然保鲜剂制备出的功能性涂膜对模仿冷链运输及零售1、3、6和8 d牛肉贮藏损失、颜色、菌落总数、脂质氧化以及高铁血红蛋白、血红素铁和游离氨基酸含量的影响,综合评价了散沫花提取物复合明胶膜对牛肉冷藏保鲜效果的的影响。结果表明,与未涂膜样品相比,涂膜处理有效防止了水分的流失和高铁肌红蛋白的形成,保持了肉样的持水性和颜色特性（P<0.05）。随着放置期的延长,HAE+明胶膜通过在贮藏期减少脂质氧化程度、菌落总数和嗜冷菌数,显著延长了肉的货架期（P<0.05）。此外,根据游离氨基酸含量,涂膜处理可以显著降低蛋白水解过程的速率,而未涂膜处理的样品水解速率更快（P<0.05）。主成分分析表明,样品颜色的变化与pH、血红素铁含量、脂质氧化以及微生物繁殖存在高度相关性,而HAE+明胶涂膜良好地抑制了这些因素的发展。因此,HAE+明胶涂膜可以作为有效的活性保鲜方式,用于肉类的冷藏保鲜。     

Shelf life of ready to use peeled shrimps as affected by thymol essential oil and modified atmosphere packaging

In this work the influence of different packaging strategies on the shelf life of ready to use peeled shrimps was investigated. First, the effectiveness of the coating (Coat) and the active coating loaded with different concentrations of thymol (Coat-500, Coat-1000, and Coat-1500) on the quality loss of the investigated food product packaged in air was addressed; afterwards, the thymol concentration that had shown the best performance was used in combination with MAP (5% O₂; 95% CO₂). Microbial cell load of main spoilage microorganisms, pH and sensorial quality were monitored during the refrigerated storage. Results of the first step suggested that the sole coating did not affect the microbial growth. A slight antimicrobial effect was obtained when the coating was loaded with thymol and a concentration dependence was also observed. Moreover, the active coating was effective in minimizing the sensory quality loss of the investigated product, it was particularly true at the lowest thymol concentration. In the second step, the thymol concentration (1000 ppm) that showed the strike balance between microbial and sensorial quality was chosen in combination with MAP. As expected, MAP significantly affected the growth of the mesophilic bacteria. In particular, a cell load reduction of about 2 log cycle for the samples under MAP respect to that in air was obtained. Moreover, the MAP packaging inhibited the growth of the Pseudomonas spp. and hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria. The MAP alone was not able to improve the shelf life of the uncoated samples. In fact, no significant difference between the control samples packaged in air and MAP was observed. Whilst, the use of coating under MAP condition prolonged the shelf life of about 6 days with respect to the same samples packaged in air. Moreover, when the MAP was used in combination with thymol, a further shelf life prolongation with respect to the samples packaged in air was observed. In particular, a shelf life of about 14 days for the active coating under MAP compared to the same samples in air (5 days) was obtained.     

Bio-based edible coatings for the preservation of fishery products: A Review

ABSTRACT

The popularity of preprocessed fresh fishery products such as fillets and peeled shrimps is growing in today s market due to their convenience for subsequent processing and cooking. However, fishery products are highly perishable because of the combined actions of biochemical reactions and microbial metabolism. Various methods have been proposed to address this problem. Among these methods, bio-based edible coating has been highlighted as a promising solution. This review updates and summarizes the recent literature on the application of coatings for the preservation of fishery products including the aspects of coating carriers, composite natural preservatives and coating methods, and a discussion of the protective effects based on microbial, physicochemical and sensorial evaluations. Moreover, some challenges and future research directions regarding optimization of formulas and exploration of mechanisms of coating are also discussed. Given consumer demand for fresh fishery products with long shelf life, edible coatings that are environmentally friendly and effective alternative will be used to extend the shelf life of fishery products.     

可食性活性涂膜在鲜切果蔬保鲜中的应用

可食性涂膜是一种由天然可食性材料制成的选择透过性薄膜,具有调节果蔬内部气体交换、减少水分损失、降低腐烂率及延长货架期的特性,在果蔬包装及保鲜领域中已引起广泛关注。鲜切果蔬具有新鲜、方便、快捷等特点,已在全球范围内广泛供应餐饮业及零售业。可食性涂膜作为多种食品添加剂的载体常应用于生鲜产品中,且将活性添加剂与可食性涂膜结合可以延长鲜切果蔬的货架期,提高果蔬品质,减少果蔬表面致腐及致病菌增长的风险。可食性活性涂膜将作为一种绿色、安全、营养的保鲜技术,并将应用于鲜切果蔬保鲜领域的研究。本文综述了可食性涂膜的分类及其添加的抗菌剂、抗氧化剂、塑形剂、营养素等活性成分在鲜切果蔬保鲜中的应用,旨在开发用于鲜切果蔬保鲜的功能性可食性涂膜。     

Advances in Edible Coatings for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A Review

Edible coatings are an environmentally friendly technology that is applied on many products to control moisture transfer, gas exchange or oxidation processes. Edible coatings can provide an additional protective coating to produce and can also give the same effect as modified atmosphere storage in modifying internal gas composition. One major advantage of using edible films and coatings is that several active ingredients can be incorporated into the polymer matrix and consumed with the food, thus enhancing safety or even nutritional and sensory attributes. But, in some cases, edible coatings were not successful. The success of edible coatings for fresh products totally depends on the control of internal gas composition. Quality criteria for fruits and vegetables coated with edible films must be determined carefully and the quality parameters must be monitored throughout the storage period. Color change, firmness loss, ethanol fermentation, decay ratio and weight loss of edible film coated fruits need to be monitored. This review discusses the use of different edible coatings (polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and composite) as carriers of functional ingredients on fresh fruits and vegetables to maximize their quality and shelf life. This also includes the recent advances in the incorporation of antimicrobials, texture enhancers and nutraceuticals to improve quality and functionality of fresh-cut fruits. Sensory implications, regulatory status and future trends are also reviewed.     

Effect of liquid whey protein concentrate–based edible coating enriched with cinnamon carbon dioxide extract on the quality and shelf life of Eastern European curd cheese

Fresh unripened curd cheese has long been a well-known Eastern European artisanal dairy product; however, due to possible cross-contamination from manual production steps, high moisture content (50–60%), and metabolic activity of present lactic acid bacteria, the shelf life of curd cheese is short (10–20 d). Therefore, the aim of this study was to improve the shelf life of Eastern European acid-curd cheese by applying an antimicrobial protein-based (5%, wt/wt) edible coating. The bioactive edible coating was produced from liquid whey protein concentrate (a cheese production byproduct) and fortified with 0.3% (wt/wt, solution basis) Chinese cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia) CO₂ extract. The effect of coating on the cheese was evaluated within package-free (group 1) and additionally vacuum packaged (group 2) conditions to represent types of cheeses sold by small and big scale manufacturers. The cheese samples were examined over 31 d of storage for changes of microbiological (total bacterial count, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds, coliforms, enterobacteria, Staphylococcus spp.), physicochemical (pH, lactic acid, protein, fat, moisture, color change, rheological, and sensory properties). The controlled experiment revealed that in group 1, applied coating affected appearance and color by preserving moisture and decreasing growth of yeasts and molds during prolonged package-free cheese storage. In group 2, coating did not affect moisture, color, or texture, but had a strong antimicrobial effect, decreasing the counts of yeasts and molds by 0.79 to 1.55 log cfu/g during 31 d of storage. In both groups, coating had no effect on pH, lactic acid, protein, and fat contents. Evaluated sensory properties (appearance, odor, taste, texture, and overall acceptability) of all samples were similar, indicating no effect of the coating on the flavor of curd cheese. The edible coating based on liquid whey protein concentrate with the incorporation of cinnamon extract was demonstrated to efficiently extend the shelf life of perishable fresh curd cheese, enhance its functional value, and contribute to a more sustainable production process.     

Development of edible bioactive coating based on modified chitosan for increasing the shelf life of strawberries

For increasing the shelf life of strawberries during storage, bioactive coatings were applied using modified polysaccharides of chitosan. First, antimicrobial tests were performed with selected essential oils to evaluate their antimicrobial capacities against moulds and total flora isolated from strawberries. Red thyme (RT) and oregano extract (OR) were found as strong bioactive agents against moulds and total flora isolated from strawberries, whereas limonene (LIM) and peppermint (PM) had lower antimicrobial properties. These essential oils were also used as bioactive compounds which were sprayed onto strawberries and evaluated for their potential to increase shelf life during storage at 4 °C. RT, PM and LIM were found to be more efficient preservative agents for strawberries during 14 days of storage. Finally, chitosan was functionalized by acylation with palmitoyl chloride to increase its hydrophobicity, to ensure a controlled release and improve its stability and adhesion to the fruit product. LIM and PM were incorporated into the modified chitosan to create bioactive edible coatings and these were tested for their ability to extend the shelf life of fresh strawberries during storage. Formulations based on modified chitosan containing LIM and Tween®80 were shown to perform better than other formulations.     

Fresh cut ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango pre-treated with citric acid and coated with cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) starch or sodium alginate

This work aimed to evaluate quality parameters of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango slices pre-treated with citric acid and cassava starch or sodium alginate edible coatings, with or without glycerol. Samples only treated with citric acid were also evaluated. Mango slices dipped in sanitising solution were used as control. Colour parameters, mechanical properties, weight loss and respiration rate were analysed during 15 days at 5 °C. Cassava starch coating, with or without glycerol, provided higher stress at failure and lightness values than control sample throughout storage (p ≤ 0.05). The citric acid promoted colour preservation, but increased significantly samples weight loss during storage. Sodium alginate coatings did not maintain quality characteristics, showing stress at failure and lightness values lower than control after 15 days. All coatings reduced respiration rate, but citric acid dipping and cassava starch coating without glycerol treatments were more effective, reaching values around 41% lower, when compared to control sample.

Industrial Relevance

Fresh-cut mangoes are appreciated world-wide for its exotic flavour and nutritional composition. However, their shelf life is limited by changes in colour, texture, appearance and microbial growth. The edible coatings act as gas and water vapour barrier, extending the storage time of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Thus, cassava starch and alginate are alternatives to preserve minimally processed mangoes, maintaining the quality parameters of fresh fruit. This work is useful for the minimal processing industry in order to increase shelf life of fresh-cut mangoes, which can be considered an alternative to fast food and other ready-to-eat products, attending the demand for healthy and convenient foodstuffs.     

IMPROVEMENT OF OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF ROASTED PEANUTS BY EDIBLE COATINGS AND ULTRASONICATION

In this study, an innovative method was developed to improve the shelf life of roasted peanuts. Sonication was combined with edible coating for enhancing the oxidative stability of roasted peanuts. Georgia green runner peanuts were roasted, subjected to sonication and then coated with whey protein isolate (WPI), ZEIN and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Relative to the control, the oxidative stability of roasted-coated samples was improved by 80, 38 and 5% for CMC, WPI and ZEIN coating, respectively, while roasted-sonicated-coated samples were improved by 91, 52 and 27% for CMC, WPI and ZEIN coating, respectively. Sonication prior to coating resulted in 11, 14 and 22% improvement beyond the CMC, WPI and ZEIN coatings, respectively. Texture analysis showed there were no significant differences ( P <  0.05) in peanut texture between the treated and the control. Color results showed the HunterLab color parameters L, a, and b for most of the treatments did not have significant differences ( P <  0.05) compared with the control.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Edible coatings used in this study (carboxymethyl cellulose, whey protein isolate and ZEIN) were capable of acting as oxygen barriers to reduce peanut lipid rancidity. This research demonstrated the potential of power ultrasound to remove lipids from the peanut surfaces and improve coating adhesion. The texture and the color of coated peanuts did not change over the storage period. This study indicated that edible coatings in combination with sonication provided an alternative way for improving the oxidative stability and eventually the shelf life and quality of roasted peanuts.     

Efficacy of cellulose-based coating on enhancing the shelf life of fresh eggs

Methylcellulose (2.00% w/v) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (1.00% w/v) -based coating was formulated to study the effects of polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400) and a stearic and palmitic acid blend (SPB) on water vapour permeability (WVP) and tensile properties. The efficacy of cellulose-based coating on fresh egg quality during 28-day storage at ambient temperature was investigated in terms of weight loss, pH, and albumen quality. The selected formulation obtained by a response surface analysis was 1.00% w/v PEG-400 and 4.00% w/v SPB. An edible cellulose-based solution was prepared for eggshell coating. A batch of fresh, grade AA 1-day eggs was coated with cellulose-based coating solution. The other batch consisted of uncoated eggs, which served as the control. Lower weight loss (4.28%) was observed in the cellulose-based coated eggs, compared to 8.83% for the uncoated eggs. The pH in albumen of coated and uncoated eggs increased from 8.71 and 8.72 to 9.44 and 9.76, respectively, after 4 weeks of storage. For albumen quality, Haugh units indicated that after 7 days, cellulose-based coated eggs changed from grade AA to grade A, and remained in grade A throughout the storage period; whereas after 5 days, uncoated eggs started to change from grade AA to grade A, and continually degraded to grade B during the 4 weeks of storage. This study highlights the promising use of cellulose-based coating to enhance the shelf life of fresh eggs.