Physicochemical characteristics of ginger essential oil nanoemulsion encapsulated by zein/NaCas and antimicrobial control on chilled chicken

An efficient antibacterial nanoemulsion was prepared using zein and NaCas to encapsulate ginger essential oil (GEO). Physical, optical, and mechanical properties as well as the antibacterial activities of GEO nanoemulsion were investigated. At 1:1 mass ratio of zein/NaCas, the GEO nanoemulsion possessed the highest solubility, entrapment efficiency and stability. The GEO/zein/NaCas complex was confirmed by ultraviolet and fluorescence spectroscopy. The addition of GEO led to more amorphous structure formation and the secondary structure changes of zein/NaCas improved the solubility and stability of GEO. GEO nanoemulsion inactivated two common foodborne bacteria, namely, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, by destroying the cell membrane. Meanwhile, the GEO nanoemulsion exhibited better preservation effects on chilled chicken breasts than non-emulsified GEO and could effectively prolong the shelf life of chicken breasts for 6 days. This research provides a green and low-cost method for preparing GEO nanoemulsion to control the risk of foodborne pathogens.