Effect of the Melicoccus bijugatus leaf and fruit extracts and acidic solvents on the antimicrobial properties of chitosan-starch films.

Effect of the Melicoccus bijugatus leaf and fruit extracts and acidic solvents on the antimicrobial properties of chitosan-starch films.

J Appl Microbiol. 2021 Feb 06;:

Authors: Juárez-Méndez ME, Lozano-Navarro JI, Velasco-Santos C, Pérez-Sánchez JF, Zapién-Castillo S, Del Angel-Moxica IE, Tijerina-Ramos BI, Díaz-Zavala NP

Abstract
AIM: The purpose of this research was to analyze the antimicrobial activity -against food-borne microorganisms- of modified chitosan-starch films using formic and acetic acid as chitosan solvents and Melicoccus bijugatus leaves and fruit extracts.
METHODS AND RESULTS: The effects of the modification process on the films’ antimicrobial activity against mesophilic aerobic bacteria, total coliform, and fungi (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Penicillium digitatum and Aspergillus Niger) were also analyzed. The previous contamination and antimicrobial tests were carried out in accordance with the Mexican Official Norms (NOM). The pH values of the films and extracts were measured, and the volatile compounds of the extracts, as well as those of QAfF10 and QAfH10 films were determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) considering the relationship among the type of compounds, the type and concentration of extracts, the pH of the films, and the antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. The films that were prepared with formic acid as chitosan solvent, with a concentration of 5 and 10% (v/v) of leaves and fruit extracts, demonstrated the best antimicrobial activity in comparison with untreated chitosan-starch films.
CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the extracts contain several compounds that improved the films’ antimicrobial capacity and inhibited the growth of microorganisms with no previous sterilization required. The antimicrobial activity is correlated to the pH of the media, the combination of solvent/extract used and its concentration.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: This is one of the few researches were the antimicrobial activity of Melicoccus bijugatus extracts are studied. It was found that the presence of these extracts are capable of improve the antimicrobial activities of chitosan-starch films. The performance of the modified films suggests their potential application as novel food packaging materials and encourages further research.

PMID: 33547847 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Source: Industry