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An alternative encapsulation approach for production of active chitosan–propolis beads

2013; Wiley; Volume: 49; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/ijfs.12442

1365-2621

E. Mascheroni, Alberto Figoli, Alida Musatti, Sara Limbo, Enrico Drioli, Rossella Suevo, Stefania Talarico, Manuela Rollini,

Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity

Summary Encapsulation is a promising technology to carry natural active substances, preventing their loss and maintaining their stability until use. Beads of chitosan‐containing propolis have been prepared using a mono‐pore filter device, which permits the encapsulation of natural polyphenols avoiding heat treatments, high shear rates and the use of toxic solvents. Beads proved to be active against B acillis cereus , E scherichia coli , L isteria innocua , P seudomonas fluorescens , Y arrovia lipolytica and three moulds strains; the highest effect was found against S taphylococcus aureus ( MIC 0.8 mg beads mL −1 ). Results in liquid cultures of S . aureus evidenced that beads were able to release the flavonoids from propolis: the diffusion of the active compounds is a key factor in the exploitation of the microbial activity. The obtained chitosan–propolis beads represent an example of natural antimicrobial delivery system that could be used to prevent the growth of pathogenic/spoilage bacteria in food applications.