The study aimed to develop a silkworm pupae protein-based film for enhancing the lipid oxidative and microbial stability of cheddar cheese. The bioactive properties were imparted to the silkworm pupae protein-based film using an optimum level (2.0%) of Catharanthus roseus leaf extract-based nanoparticles (Cat-Ros-NPs) synthesised following a green method. The cheese samples were packaged within the treated film (T2, containing 2.0% Cat-Ros-NPs) and compared with control samples [control (cheese samples without any film), T0 (cheese samples within the films without any bioactive agent) and T1 {cheese samples within the films containing 2.0% C. roseus leaf extract (Cat-Ros-Ext)}] during 90 days trial (4±1 °C). The addition of bioactive agents (Cat-Ros-Ext or Cat-Ros-NPs) increased the thickness (µm) as well as density (g/ml) of the film, thereby decreasing the transmittance (%), solubility (%), moisture content (%), and water-vapour transmission rate (mg/mt2). Both the bioactive agents increased the redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) whereas decreased the brightness (L*) of the film. The films enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the enclosed cheese samples during storage and the highest values were recorded for the samples packed within T2 films. The cheese samples packaged within T2 and T1 films showed significantly lower values for lipid oxidation and microbial counts. This positive effect of the films (T2 and T1) was also recorded on protein oxidation (total-carbonyl content) after day 30 and sensory quality after day 60. Our results indicate the successful use of silkworm pupae protein for the development of bioactive packaging for cheddar cheese.
This study aims to use hot aqueous extract of herbal residue (HRE) to enhance bacterial growth and possess anti-diarrheal effects. In this study, lactobacillus species L. brevis (SAM-1), Lactobacillus plantarum (SAM-2), and Lactobacillus herbinensis (SAM-3) were isolated from date palm sap (collected in winter season). Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Bangladesh provided herbal residues ‘Adovas’ which is non-sedating herbal cough syrup with sixteen common herbs including Adhatoda vasica. In our observation, HRE increased the number of colonies in MRS media. In the anti-diarrheal study by castor oil and magnesium sulphate-induced diarrheal mouse model, SAM-1 and 2 with or without HRE showed almost similar results. After initial morphological characterization, tests such as resistance to low pH, bile salt and survival capability in gastric simulated fluid (GSF) were performed to confirm them as a probiotic candidate. All three isolates were gram-positive bacteria and could grow in a mesophilic range of temperatures. The isolates were catalase-negative and were able to coagulate milk after overnight incubation. As the isolates exhibited resistance to low pH and could tolerate bile salts, they may survive in the stomach and intestine, thus making them a promising probiotic candidate. The isolated probiotics and HRE inhibited diarrheal and restored the body's electrolytes. Interestingly, SAM-2 showed higher efficacy than the standard drug (Loperamide), while SAM-1 showed a similar effect and SAM-3, had less effect than Loperamide. The findings suggest that probiotics and herbal residue could contribute to diarrhoeal disease prevention, which might be an alternative to a synthetic standard drug (Loperamide).
Edible film and coating are nutritious and beneficial for the host as those are consumed with food. Among various edible films and coatings, this review focused on protein-based films and coatings due to their potential application as a carrier for bioactive compounds in the food and biomedical industries. Bioactive compounds such as probiotics, prebiotics, and phenolic compounds have shown promise in maintaining intestinal health. They enhance immune response, lower inflammation in gastrointestinal illnesses, and help to prevent colon cancer. However, these bioactive compounds are often susceptible to environmental factors such as temperature, oxygen, pH etc. Consequently, encapsulation of these compounds becomes essential to protect them from potential damage and ensure the delivery of these compounds into the host body while retaining their intended functional properties. Current trends involve incorporating phenolic compounds into films or encapsulating probiotics and prebiotics as core materials using different wall materials. These encapsulated compounds can be intake with the food. Ongoing research endeavors are dedicated to improve the mechanical properties or functional properties of edible films and coatings separately. This review aims to overcome existing limitations of encapsulation of bioactive compounds into various types of protein film and enhance the functionality and health benefits and unlock the application of protein-based edible films and coating in the food industry.
The three-dimensional structure and network that compose naturally or synthetically derived polymers, such as hydrogels, allow for a wide variety in customization of the biomaterial characteristics, thus resulting in various applications. In medical care, hydrogels formed by intrinsic or exogenous antimicrobial components can act as effective vehicles for the administration of drugs and bioactive compounds, as alternatives to traditional wound dressings, and as antimicrobial coatings on implanted medical devices. In food safety, hydrogels with antimicrobial properties are desirable as food spoilage inhibitors. There has been a recent heightened focus on naturally derived hydrogels, due to their cost effectiveness and lack of concern for toxicity, which enhance their potential for a variety of food and biomedical applications. This concise review focuses on the recent advances of naturally derived peptide and polysaccharide antimicrobial hydrogels in the biomedical and food industries.