Application of electrospun biomimetic packaging materials for prolonged preservation and quality retention of Mongolian cheese

The objective of this work was to fabricate a cocoon shell-inspired packaging materials based on Poly (vinyl alcohol), polyethylene oxide and silk fibroin blends. The L. plantarum postbiotics (LPP) and L. plantarum cells (LPC) with antimicrobial effects were incorporated into the matrix through electrospinning process. The biomimetic packaging was applied for Mongolian cheese during 8 d storage at 25 °C. Results showed that the embedded LPC could sustain viability for approximately 4 d without external nutrients and extend to 8 d with nutrient provision from Mongolian cheese. LPP exhibited a significant inhibition effect on five foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Quality evaluation results indicated that the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of the nanofibers reduced the total viable count by 3.5 log (CFU/g) and the total yeast and mold count by 1.3 log (CFU/g) after 8 d of storage. Furthermore, biomimetic packaging coated samples presented better treatment performance in maintaining the quality, reducing weight loss, retarding proteolysis and fat precipitation. Consequently, this biomimetic packaging represents a viable alternative antimicrobial strategy for the preservation of Mongolian cheese.