Development of edible nanocomposite films incorporating cinnamaldehyde-carvacrol for extending the shelf life of ready-to-eat steaks
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: To counteract the short shelf-life of ready-to-eat (RTE) steak imposed by microbial spoilage, we fabricated an antibacterial edible film (MEONF) by dispersing mesoporous-silica MCM-41 nanoparticles loaded with cinnamaldehyde/carvacrol essential oil (CCO) in a gelatin–highland-barley β-glucan matrix. The mesopores of MCM-41 imparted temperature-responsive release of CCO: 42.8 % within 30 d at 4 °C versus 73.6 % at 25 °C, synchronising antibacterial activity with the prevailing micro-flora growth rate. On RTE steak, MEONF doubled shelf-life to 18 d at 4 °C and prolonged it to 12 d at 25 °C. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) revealed that the film selectively suppressed Pseudomonas and Bacteroidota at 4 °C, and unclassified Chlorobaculum and Esterarchaeia at 25 ° C. SEM imaging indicated that the oil vapours disrupted microbial membranes, retarded lipid oxidation and postponed protein degradation. Being fully edible and biodegradable, MEONF offers a sustainable, cold-chain-friendly solution for high-protein ready-meats. • Multi-Component Synergistic Edible Films Overcoming Single-Material Limitations. • MCM-41 nanocarriers load antimicrobials for long-acting, targeted action. • Highland barley β-glucan strengthens films, expanding application boundaries. • Verify edible films for steak, build shelf-life models for application. • Targets specific spoilage microbes via SEM-observed membrane disruption.
Source: Food Chemistry X
Authors: Qianqian Chu, Shiling Lu, Jun Liu, Jingyun Wang, Xin Guo
Institution: Shihezi University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,330
Award: G387454300
OpenAlex ID: W4416713254