Physical properties and antioxidant activity of an active film from chitosan incorporated with green tea extract

An active film from chitosan incorporated with aqueous green tea extract (GTE) was developed. The effects of GTE concentrations including 2, 5, 10 and 20% (w/v) of green tea in the film-forming solution on the film properties were determined by measuring physical properties, total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of the active films. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry was carried out to observe the potential modifications of the chitosan films when incorporated with GTE. The results suggested that incorporation of GTE into chitosan films improved mechanical and water vapor barrier properties and enhanced polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of the films. Changes in the FTIR spectra of the chitosan films were observed when GTE was incorporated, suggesting some interactions occurred between chitosan and the polyphenols from GTE. This study showed the benefits of incorporation of GTE into chitosan films and the potential for using the developed film as an active packaging.     

Agar films containing green tea extract and probiotic bacteria for extending fish shelf-life

A bioactive film composed of agar, incorporating green tea extract and probiotic strains (Lactobacillus paracasei L26 and Bifidobacterium lactis B94) was applied on hake fillets in order to evaluate the effect of the films during 15 days of storage. Hake was previously inoculated with Shewanella putrefaciens and Photobacterium phosphoreum (10³–10⁴ CFU/g) to simulate a spoilage process. The green tea and/or probiotic film provoked a reduction, particularly of H₂S-producing bacteria counts and total viable bacteria throughout the storage period. The probiotic strains added to the film could pass to the fish producing an increment of lactic acid bacterial counts, even in the presence of green tea extract. The effect of the films also caused a decrease in the indexes of fish quality (total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N) and pH). The total viable counts, H₂S-producing microorganisms and TVB-N were maintained below the limits of acceptability during 15 days for the fillet covered with the green tea + probiotic film, compared to the rest of the samples. Films with green tea and probiotic were able to extend shelf-life of hake at least for a week and increase the beneficial lactic acid bacteria in fish.     

Combined effect of chitosan and modified atmosphere packaging for shelf life extension of chicken breast fillets

The combined effect of dipping in a chitosan solution (1 g/100 ml) and packaging under modified atmosphere (MAP, 70% CO₂, 30% N₂) on shelf life extension of refrigerated chicken fillets was investigated. Microbiological (Total Viable Counts, Pseudomonas spp., Lactic Acid Bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae), physicochemical (headspace gas composition, pH, color and Thiobarbituric Acid test) and sensory (odor and taste) parameters were monitored for up to 14 days. TVC were 3.9–4.9 log cfu/g lower on day 6 of storage in treated vs. untreated air-packaged samples with the strongest effect being shown by the combination of chitosan plus MAP. A similar reduction in LAB, Pseudomonads and Enterobacteriaceae was recorded during storage. pH values varied between 5.73 (day 8, for acetic acid treated samples) and 6.28 (day 6, for air-packaged samples). Malondialdehyde (MDA) values ranged between 0.19 and 0.80 mg/kg indicating negligible oxidation of lipids. The color parameter L* decreased with time in the air-packaged samples but remained unaffected in all other treatments. Parameters a* and b* were not significantly affected by the chitosan or the MAP treatments. Based on the microbiological and sensory data, shelf life of air-packaged, chitosan-treated, MAP-treated and chitosan/MAP treated samples was 5, 11, 12 and 14 days, respectively.     

Effect of the molecular weight and concentration of chitosan in pork model burgers

Chitosan of high and low molecular weights was added at 0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% concentrations to a burger model system. Burgers were evaluated by physicochemical analysis, cooking characteristic and storage stability. The antioxidant activity of chitosan was studied in vitro. The addition of chitosan influenced pH and color properties, in molecular weight and concentration dependent ways. Cooking properties were significantly affected by the chitosan. High molecular weight chitosan improved all cooking characteristics compared with control samples. Low molecular weight chitosan increased the shelf life of burgers, enhanced the red color and reduced total viable counts, compared with control and high molecular weight chitosan samples. The antioxidant activity of chitosan was dependent on molecular weight and concentration. The results indicate that high molecular weight chitosan (HMWC) improves all cooking characteristics and antioxidant activity while low molecular weight chitosan extends the red color and reduces total viable counts.     

Ascorbate, green tea and grape seed extracts increase the shelf life of low sulphite beef patties

Green tea (GTE) and grape seed (GSE) extracts are proposed as preservatives for increasing the shelf life of low sulphite raw beef patties. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of both extracts were compared with ascorbate. Five groups were established for the patties: Control (with no additives), S (100 SO₂), SA (100 SO₂ + 400 sodium ascorbate), ST (100 SO₂ + 300 GTE) and SG (100 SO₂ + 300 GSE) (mg per kg of meat). Patties were stored at 4 °C in aerobic packaging for 0, 3, 6 or 9 days under retail display conditions. Meat spoilage (total viable and coliform counts, pH, lightness, chroma, hue angle, metmyoglobin and TBARS) was determined. The sensory contribution of the extracts to cooked patties was evaluated (colour, odour, flavour and texture). The results pointed to the possibility of using low SO₂-vegetable extract combinations to preserve raw meat products. ST, SG and SA delayed microbial spoilage, redness loss and lipid oxidation, thus increasing the shelf life of the raw sulphite beef patties by 3 days. ST, SG and SA also delayed the onset of rancid flavours in cooked patties. No anomalous sensory traits were caused by either extract. Ascorbate, GTE and GSE improved the preservative effects of SO₂ on beef patties, especially against meat oxidation. This suggested that the quantity of SO₂ added can be reduced to obtain healthier raw meat products.     

Development of active chitosan films incorporating potassium sorbate or vanillin to extend the shelf life of butter cake

Active film from chitosan was developed by adding potassium sorbate or vanillin as antimicrobial agents. The addition of potassium sorbate in the film's formula resulted in less transparency, lower strength, water permeability, while increased flexibility and oxygen permeability. Addition of vanillin in film resulted in more yellow of film colour, lower film's strength and permeability. After that, all films were used to wrap around butter cake. The inhibitory effect of film against mould was studied using commercial stretch film as control. Mould was observed on cake wrapped by stretch film and chitosan film on day 4 and 7, respectively, while mould was not observed on cake wrapped by chitosan film containing potassium sorbate or vanillin during 8‐day storage which agreed with the amount of mould enumeration on PDA. The quality of cake during storage at room temperature was also studied. Cake wrapped with film containing vanillin became more yellow. The sensory of all cake treatments were acceptable.     

绿茶多酚对马铃薯淀粉壳聚糖复合膜影响研究

为开发新型抗氧化活性包装材料,以马铃薯淀粉壳聚糖复合膜为基材,研究添加绿茶多酚对复合膜抗氧化能力、物理性能和化学结构影响。结果表明:添加绿茶多酚显著（p<0.05）提高了复合膜DPPH自由基清除能力,添加2%绿茶多酚的复合膜在3 min内自由基清除率达到94.48%,绿茶多酚添加也显著（p<0.05）地增强了复合膜的阻湿性。但添加绿茶多酚增加了复合膜红色和黄色、水溶性,降低了膜的柔韧性,红外光谱显示添加绿茶多酚影响了-O-H键的弯曲和伸缩振动,干扰了复合膜体间的氢键相互作用。研究结果表明添加0.5%绿茶多酚既能提高复合膜的抗氧化能力,又可使复合膜拥有较好的柔韧性。      

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.     

Synergistic effect of green tea polyphenols with trolox on free radical-induced oxidative DNA damage

The antioxidant effect of the principal polyphenolic components extracted from green tea leaves, namely (−)-epicatechin (EC), (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) and (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and their synergistic antioxidant effects with trolox against oxidative DNA damage were studied. The oxidative DNA damage was initiated by a water-soluble azo initiator, 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH) and the ability of green tea polyphenols and/or trolox (a water-soluble analogue of α-tocopherol) to inhibit the oxidative damage of DNA was assessed, in vitro, by measuring the conversion of supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA to the open circular and linear forms. It was found that these green tea polyphenols could significantly inhibit the oxidative damage of DNA synergistically with trolox, with an activity sequence of EC = ECG > EGCG > EGC.     

Optimization of the biocide properties of chitosan for its application in the design of active films of interest in the food area

The influence on biocide performance of some unprecedented physicochemical features of chitosan cast films such as film thickness, pH of the nutrient broth, film neutralization, film autoclave sterilization and temperature exposure were analyzed against Staphylococcus aureus and in some experiments also against Salmonella spp. The work demonstrates for the first time the influence of the release or positive migration of protonated glucosamine fractions from the biopolymer into the microbial culture as the responsible event for the antimicrobial performance of the biopolymer under the studied conditions. From the results, a reliable and reproducible method for the determination of the bactericidal activity of chitosan-based films was developed in an attempt to standardize the testing conditions for the optimum design of active antimicrobial food packaging films and coating applications.     

Development and evaluation of chitosan and its derivative for the shelf life extension of beef meat under refrigeration storage

The current study was aimed to study the shelf life of beef meat at refrigeration storage using novel chitosan derivative (Ch‐D). Chitosan was modified with antimicrobial monomethyl fumaric acid (MFA). The chemical structure of the resulting material was characterized by FT‐IR and HR‐XRD. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of conjugate sample. For the shelf life study, following lots were used: control (distilled water), chitosan 0.5%, Ch‐D 0.5%. The samples were kept at 4 °C for 16 days and analyzed at 4‐day intervals. Ch‐D treatment significantly reduced the total viable counts, enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, and yeasts–moulds when compared with the chitosan and control during refrigeration storage. The peroxide value (PV) for Ch‐D was 0.19 ± 0.04 meq O₂ kg^?1 fat and chitosan was 0.21 ± 0.07 meq O₂ kg^?1 fat and showed no significant difference (P < 0.05) at the end of the storage. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARs) value for Ch‐D was 0.48 ± 0.02 mg MDA kg^?1 and chitosan was 0.57 ± 0.09 mg MDA kg^?1, while the carbonyl contents for Ch‐D was 3.16 ± 0.23 nm  mg^?1 protein and chitosan was 3.11 ± 0.16 nm  mg^?1 protein at 16 days of storage. Values for Ch‐D and chitosan treatments were significantly lower (P < 0.05) for all the quality attributes as compared with the control throughout storage. At the end of storage, Ch‐D treatment showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in lightness (L^* = 41.54 ± 0.09) and yellowness (b* = 2.23 ± 0.04). The redness for control was high (a* = 6.12 ± 0.09) as compared with the treated samples. Based primarily on microbial counts, Ch‐D treatment extended the shelf life of beef meat by about 8 days, maintaining acceptable quality attributes.     

Green tea – A potential preservative for extending the shelf life of fresh mutton at ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C)

This investigation was taken up to evaluate the feasibility of using green tea (GT) to extend the shelf life of fresh mutton, at ambient storage conditions (25 ± 2 °C and 85 ± 5% RH). The ethanolic extract of GT (GTE) was found to significantly inhibit (P < 0.01) spoilage microflora, including certain pathogens of acidulant treated mutton (pH 3.8) for up to 4 days. Application of GTE did not cause any deleterious change in sensorial and physical quality and the mutton was acceptable for up to 4 days. While the control samples showed initial signs of spoilage between 20 and 24 h and registered an increase in free fatty acids (FFA) from 1.24 g to 4.1 g/100 g lipid and biogenic amine index (BAI) from 0.27 mg to 4.63 mg/100 g mutton, at the end of two days of storage, the GTE treated sample showed FFA levels of 1.5 g/100 g lipid and BAI of 0.25 mg/100 g mutton at the end of the 4 days. GTE treatment could be effectively used to extend the shelf life of fresh mutton for up to 4 days in Indian climatic conditions, since it significantly (P < 0.01) inhibits the formation of these lipolytic and proteolytic degradation products, which are responsible for sensorial spoilage.     

Improvement of active chitosan film properties with rosemary essential oil for food packaging

Rosemary essential oil (REO) was used to develop an active film from chitosan. The effects of REO concentration (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% v/v) on film properties were studied by measuring the physical, mechanical and optical properties of the REO‐loaded films. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to study microstructure and the interaction of the chitosan‐based films. The solubility and water gain of the chitosan film decreased about 25% and 85%, respectively, by REO incorporation, up to 1.5% v/v, because of the interaction between hydrophilic groups of chitosan and REO as confirmed by FTIR. It was determined that REO improved the transparency of the films from 4.97 in neat chitosan up to 7.61; moreover, it reduced the films’ light transmission in UV light more than 25%. Films containing REO showed more antibacterial activity and total phenol content. The films containing REO showed potential to be used as active film in food preservation.     

包装材料结合活性包装对荞麦半干面常温货架期及品质的影响

为了延长荞麦半干面的常温货架期,以聚偏二氯乙烯(PVDC)和聚乙烯(PE)为包装材料,采用不同活性包装方式(脱氧包装和脱氧结合酒精缓释包装)对其进行包装处理。考察脱氧剂、酒精缓释剂和不同包装材料对荞麦半干面货架期和储藏期间品质的影响。测定荞麦半干面在储藏期间菌落总数、酸度值、p H值、质构特性、感官品质和包装袋内顶空氧气含量、顶空酒精浓度的变化。结果表明:储藏期间菌落总数整体呈现上升趋势,脱氧结合酒精缓释包装协同抑制微生物生长。储藏9 d后,脱氧结合酒精缓释包装的面条菌落总数均未超过106cfu/g,同时显著抑制了理化品质的劣变(P0.05);脱氧剂的吸氧量越大,24 h内除氧速率越快,抑菌效果越显著;相同活性包装方式下,与PE包装材料相比,PVDC包装材料能增强其延长荞麦半干面常温货架期的作用效果。与其他包装方式相比,脱氧(200 m L)结合酒精缓释PVDC包装将荞麦半干面货架期延长至16 d,并且维持了面条储藏期间的品质。     

Evaluation of the total oxy-radical scavenging capacity of catechins isolated from green tea

The antioxidant activity of catechins isolated from green tea against peroxyl radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrite was determined using the total oxy-radical scavenging capacity (TOSC) assay. (−)-Epicatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin, (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate, and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate were isolated and their structures were characterised based on their physical and spectral properties, and by comparison of these results with similar data in the literature. (−)-Epigallocatechin showed the highest TOSC value, and (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate was the least effective among the catechins tested. These results indicated that the presence of a gallate group at the three position plays a critical role in their antioxidant activity. However, additional insertion of a hydroxyl group at the 5′ position in the B ring attenuates the oxy-radical scavenging capacity of catechins. These results suggest that the antioxidant activity of catechins is dependent on the reactivity of both the original catechins and their products generated during reaction with oxy-radicals.     

Application of chitosan-incorporated LDPE film to sliced fresh red meats for shelf life extension

Chitosan lactate was impregnated as an antimicrobial additive into low density polyethylene (LDPE) with different concentrations. The antimicrobial effectiveness was tested with three pathogenic bacteria, specifically Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis. Also, these chitosan incorporated films were applied on red meat surfaces to determine the effectiveness of chitosan on color shelf life extension and microbial growth inhibition. Chitosan was exposed to 0.1% peptone water containing the three pathogens in separate tests and inhibited microbial growth a higher levels with increasing concentration of chitosan in the film matrix. Oxygen permeability was not affected by the incorporation of chitosan, while the water vapor permeability increased with the addition of chitosan. Film elongation decreased with the addition of chitosan. When chitosan incorporated films were applied on fresh red meat, microorganisms on the meat surface were not inhibited but significant extension of red color shelf life were observed in refrigerated, sliced red meats.     

In vitro human skin permeation and cutaneous metabolism of catechins from green tea extract and green tea extract-loaded chitosan microparticles

Catechins are major antioxidants in green tea (Camellia sinensis or Camellia assamica), but because they do not permeate the skin well, the application of green tea in cosmetic products has so far been limited. This study aims to evaluate the cutaneous absorption of catechins from an extract of green tea and from a green tea extract-loaded chitosan microparticle. The catechin skin metabolism was also examined. The results suggest that chitosan microparticles significantly improve the ability of catechins to permeate skin. The cutaneous metabolism of the catechins significantly affected their permeation profiles. Epicatechin (EC) and epigallocatechin (EGC) penetrated the skin more than epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG). The galloyl groups in EGCG and ECG were enzymatically hydrolysed to EGC and EC, respectively. Dehydroxylation of catechins was also observed. Chitosan microparticles effectively prevented enzymatic changes of the catechins; therefore, chitosan microparticles are here found to be the promising carriers for enhancing the skin permeation.     

Characterisation of polysaccharides from green tea of Huangshan Maofeng with antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects

This study was to examine the hepatoprotective effects of polysaccharides from green tea of Huangshan Maofeng (HMTP) against CCl₄-induced oxidative damage in mice. HMTP is an acidic heteropolysaccharide with galactose (35.0%, mol.%), arabinose (28.9%) and galacturonic acid (11.3%) being the main monosaccharide components. HMTP (400 and 800 mg/kg·bw) administered orally daily for 14 days before CCl₄ administration significantly reduced the impact of CCl₄ toxicity on the serum markers of liver damage, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total-cholesterol and triglycerides. This method of HMTP administration also markedly restrained hepatic lipid peroxidation formation of malondialdehyde and 15-F_2t isoprostanes, and elevated the antioxidant levels of hepatic glutathione and superoxide dismutase. These results together with liver histopathology indicated that HMTP exhibited hepatoprotection against CCl₄-induced injury, which was found to be comparable to that of biphenyldicarboxylate. The hepatoprotective effects of HMTP may be due to both the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the increase of antioxidant activity.     

Cellulose nanoparticles synthesised from potato peel for the development of active packaging film for enhancement of shelf life of raw prawns (Penaeus monodon) during frozen storage

In this study, the cellulose nanoparticles (CNP) isolated from potato peel were used for reinforcement of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based active packaging film. The above film was used to pack the raw prawns (Penaeus monodon) at −20 °C, and the colour change, protein content, TVB-N, TMA and microbial analysis were done at regular interval for prawns stored in CNP-PVA active packaging film. A significant difference was observed in the quality of prawns stored in potato CNP-PVA film compared with prawns packed and stored in polyethylene film. The newly designed active packaging with CNP and fennel seed oil enhanced the shelf life of prawns up to two months for both HOSO (head on shell on) prawn and PD (peeled and deveined) prawn. Hence, the study recommends the potato peel CNP-PVA film with fennel seed oil as better choice to extend the shelf life of the prawns during storage compared with polyethylene packaging.     

Display life of beef packaged with an antioxidant active film as a function of the concentration of oregano extract

Fresh beef steaks were packaged with a new antioxidant active system containing increasing concentrations (0.5, 1, 2 and 4%) of an oregano extract. Control samples were packaged without the active film. Additional samples were sprayed with the extract and packaged as the control samples. Packages were filled with a 80%O(2)/20%CO(2) atmosphere and displayed under illumination (14 h) at 1 ± 1 °C for 28 days. Metmyoglobin formation, lipid oxidation (TBARS), instrumental colour (CIE a*) and sensory colour, discoloration, off-odour and oregano smell were determined. Active packaging significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced oxidative stability of beef steaks, depending on the oregano concentration of the active film. The display life of beef samples demonstrated that at least 1% oregano was needed for obtaining a significant increase of display life from 14 to 23 days. A concentration of 4% gave rise to unacceptable oregano smell. As a consequence, most suitable oregano extract concentrations for optimum active packaging in this system should be within the range 1-2%.