Next-generation meat preservation: integrating nano-natural substances to tackle hurdles and opportunities

AbstractThe increasing global meat demand raises concerns regarding the spoilage of meat caused by microbial invasion and oxidative decomposition. Natural substances, as a gift from nature to humanity, possess broad-spectrum bioactivity and have been utilized for meat preservation. However, their limited stability, solubility, and availability hinder their further development. To address this predicament, advanced organic nanocarriers provide an effective shelter for the formation of nano-natural substances (NNS). This review comprehensively presents various natural substances derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms, along with the challenges they face. Subsequently, the potential of organic nanocarriers is explored, highlighting their distinct features and applicability, in addressing these challenges. The review methodically examines the application of NNS in meat preservation, with a focus on their pathways of action and preservation mechanisms. Furthermore, the outlook and future trends for NNS applications in meat preservation are concluded. The theory and practice summary of NNS is expected to serve as a catalyst for advancements that enhance meat security, promote human health, and contribute to sustainable development.HIGHLIGHTSDiversified organic nanocarriers conquer the limitations of natural substancesNNS based on organic nanocarriers are a reliable and health-promoting optionNNS can manifest their effectiveness through diverse pathways and mechanismsThe utilization of NNS in meat preservation represents a transformative strategyKeywords: Meat safetyavailabilityorganic nanocarriersantimicrobialantioxidantpreservation pathwaysView correction statement:Correction Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Correction StatementThis article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China [No. 2021YFD2100803], Hefei University of Technology Talent Introduction Initiation Fund [No. 13020-03712022048] and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [No. JZ2023HGTA0174].Notes on contributorsLijun TanLijun Tan Investigation; Validation; Methodology; Visualization; Writing–original draft.Yongsheng NiYongsheng Ni Conceptualization; Supervision; Project administration; Methodology; Writing–review & editing.Yong XieYong Xie, Wendi Zhang, Jinsong Zhao, Qing Xiao, Jinnan Lu, Qiong Pan and Cong Li Writing–review & editing.Wendi ZhangYong Xie, Wendi Zhang, Jinsong Zhao, Qing Xiao, Jinnan Lu, Qiong Pan and Cong Li Writing–review & editing.Jinsong ZhaoYong Xie, Wendi Zhang, Jinsong Zhao, Qing Xiao, Jinnan Lu, Qiong Pan and Cong Li Writing–review & editing.Qing XiaoYong Xie, Wendi Zhang, Jinsong Zhao, Qing Xiao, Jinnan Lu, Qiong Pan and Cong Li Writing–review & editing.Jingnan LuYong Xie, Wendi Zhang, Jinsong Zhao, Qing Xiao, Jinnan Lu, Qiong Pan and Cong Li Writing–review & editing.Qiong PanYong Xie, Wendi Zhang, Jinsong Zhao, Qing Xiao, Jinnan Lu, Qiong Pan and Cong Li Writing–review & editing.Cong LiYong Xie, Wendi Zhang, Jinsong Zhao, Qing Xiao, Jinnan Lu, Qiong Pan and Cong Li Writing–review & editing.Baocai XuBaocai Xu Conceptualization; Supervision; Funding acquisition; Project administration; Writing–review & editing.