Gliadin nanoparticles stabilized by sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as carriers for improved dispersibility, stability and bacteriostatic activity of Natamycin

There is increasing interest in the development of Natamycin (Nata) containing ingredients appropriate as substitutes for chemical food preservatives, due to its safe and efficient antimycotic effects. This work reported that gliadin (Gli) could effectively perform as nano-vehicles to enhance Nata's water dispersibility and stability. Nata-Gli nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by adjusting the solution pH and anti-solvent method using the amphiphilicity of Gli. The encapsulation rate of NPs could reach 85.5%, and the loading rate was 8.6%. Nata-Gli/CMC nanocomposite system was prepared using sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as an antisolvent. Compared with the Nata-Gli NPs, the spherical structure of the particles with CMC addition is more apparent and more homogeneous. The bacteriostatic properties of the Nata-Gli/CMC nanocomposite system against Penicillium expansum were tested in vitro and in vivo. The results in vitro results confirmed that the application of Nata-Gli/CMC nanocomposite system improved the water dispersibility of natamycin and thus enhanced the bacteriostatic activity of natamycin. The results in vivo indicated that Nata-Gli/CMC nanocomposite system reduced the occurrence of rot and mildew in inoculated kumquat. The findings provide an effective strategy to provide a new idea for applying Nata and provide a reference for developing the post-harvest colloidal delivery system.