Institution: | 1. College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA;2. School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey;3. School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA;4. College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China |
Abstract: | Chitosan with higher molecular weight exhibited higher antimicrobial efficacy against foodborne pathogens. However, the poor water solubility of higher or medium molecular weight chitosan limits its applications. To overcome the challenge, our research team searched for simple preparation procedure for fast-dissolving medium molecular weight chitosan in water. Throughout the process, we were able to obtain a higher concentration of medium molecular weight water-soluble (MMWWS) chitosan (400 kDa). The MMWWS chitosan showed physicochemical properties that are suitable for edible coating. Antibacterial activities of 400-kDa chitosan coating prepared in acetic acid (1% v/v) or aspartic acid (1% or 3% w/v) were examined. The surface of catfish cubes was inoculated with six foodborne pathogens and then coated with chitosan solutions. The survival of each pathogen was evaluated during shelf life storage. Compared with the control, 3% w/v chitosan coating in aspartic acid solution exhibited the most effective antibacterial activities among other coating treatments, completely inhibiting Vibrio parahaemolyticus on the surface of catfish. The study suggested that chitosan dissolved in aspartic acid has the potential for use as an alternative antimicrobial coating for catfish fillet. |