Preparation and application of modified Aronia melanocarpa pectin-whey protein stabilized clove essential oil pickering emulsion sustained-release preservative pads.
Aronia melanocarpa Pectin (AP) was modified via alkaline/enzymatic/high-pressure enzymatic methods. High-pressure enzymatic pectin (HPP-AP) exhibited the lowest esterification degree with galacturonic acid content, optimal shear-thinning behavior, and emulsification performance. HPP-AP complexed with whey protein isolate (WPI) through hydrophobic interactions (exposed galacturonic acid-WPI residues) and hydrogen bonding (amide-hydroxyl groups), forming stable composite particles. These particles stabilized Pickering emulsions (20 % oil phase) encapsulating clove essential oil (CEO), demonstrating uniform interfacial adsorption (oil-in-water type), high encapsulation efficiency, and stability under diverse conditions (pH, temperature, centrifugation). The emulsions showed sustained CEO release (87.8 % at 7 days) and inhibited aspergillus Niger (A. niger) effectively. Coated onto non-woven fabrics, the emulsion formed a gel-network coating. During 12 d storage (4 °C), preservative pads delayed strawberry weight loss, texture/color deterioration, and moisture migration, extending shelf life by 6 d while maintaining quality in transport simulation. This work provides a novel strategy for plant essential oil-based active packaging.
期刊介绍:
Food Chemistry: X, one of three Open Access companion journals to Food Chemistry, follows the same aims, scope, and peer-review process. It focuses on papers advancing food and biochemistry or analytical methods, prioritizing research novelty. Manuscript evaluation considers novelty, scientific rigor, field advancement, and reader interest. Excluded are studies on food molecular sciences or disease cure/prevention. Topics include food component chemistry, bioactives, processing effects, additives, contaminants, and analytical methods. The journal welcome Analytical Papers addressing food microbiology, sensory aspects, and more, emphasizing new methods with robust validation and applicability to diverse foods or regions.