Natural polysaccharide-based smart (temperature sensing) and active (antibacterial, antioxidant and photoprotective) nanoparticles with potential application in biocompatible food coatings

Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Aug 1:134:480-486. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.194. Epub 2019 May 4.

Abstract

Smart and active nanoparticles are of increasing interest in food films and coatings application. In the current study, we purpose novel nanoparticles NPs-4(1:5) and NPs-4(1:5.5), which possess simultaneously both smart (temperature sensitive) and active (antibacterial, light absorbing and antioxidant) properties. The obtained nanoparticles are based on PEG/MC core with anthocyanidin and sodium acetate, and chitosan/gallotannin-based shell. The nanoparticles have hydrodynamic diameter ca. 450 nm and are positively charged (ζ-potential is 21 mV for NPs-4(1:5) and +23 mV for NPs-4(1:5.5). NPs-4(1:5) and NPs-4(1:5.5) are thermochromic and turn from colorless to purple at ca. 20 °C 0 °C respectively. The nanoparticles possess antibacterial activity much more than the starting chitosan (MIC, μg/mL, E. coli: 1.35 (NPs-4(1:5)), 1.18 (NPs-4(1:5.5)) and 10.12 (chitosan); S. aureus: 1.14 (NPs-4(1:5)), 1.10 (NPs-4(1:5.5)) and 6.20 (chitosan)). The nanoparticles efficiently absorb ultraviolet light, have high antioxidant effect (0.051 trolox equivalents), are non-toxic and fully composed of substances approved for use in the food industry.

Keywords: Active and smart properties; Antibacterial activity; Chitosan; Food application; Methyl cellulose; Nanoparticles; Natural polysaccharides.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / chemistry*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology
  • Food Packaging*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry*
  • Protective Agents / chemistry*
  • Protective Agents / pharmacology
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polysaccharides
  • Protective Agents
  • Polyethylene Glycols