This study reports first time investigation on efficacy of cajuput essential oil loaded chitosan nanoparticle (CjEO-CSNP) on shelf-life of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) stored at 4±1 °C for 7-days. CjEO-CSNP was characterized through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering. The nanoparticles exhibited spherical shapes with average particle size 43.17-97.03 nm. The nanoencapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were ranged between 45.86 and 92.26% and 0.69-8.87%, respectively. The release study confirmed that CjEO-CSNP showed biphasic release patterns at different pH. Positive results were unveiled when the effect of CjEO-CSNP on shelf-life of mushroom was validated by analyzing the visual appearance and firmness. Further, CjEO-CSNP prevented weight loss and respiration rate, and improved the antioxidant activity of mushrooms. CjEO-CSNP also exhibited high safety profile (LD50= > 1200 mg/Kg body weight) without altering the sensory quality of coated mushrooms. Overall, CjEO-CSNP might be used as promising candidate to lengthen the shelf-life of button mushroom.
Keywords: Agaricus bisporus; Antioxidant activity; Bioactive packaging; Melaleuca cajuputi essential oil; Release kinetics; Shelf-life.
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