The application of the combination of Nisin and nanotechnology in food packaging

Nisin is a polypeptide-based natural biological antibacterial agent produced by lactic acid bacteria fermentation, with excellent bacteriostatic effects. Combining Nisin with nanotechnology for application in food packaging can significantly enhance the fresh-keeping effect and safety of food. The specific applications are as follows:

1. Nisin Encapsulation in Nanocapsules

Nisin is encapsulated using nanocarriers such as nanoliposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid nanocarriers, biopolymer nanoparticles, and nanofibers. This approach improves nisin’s stability, prevents adverse reactions with food components, and enables controlled release of nisin, allowing it to continuously exert antibacterial effects during food storage.

2. Nanocomposite Films

Nisin is mixed with nanomaterials (e.g., montmorillonite) to prepare nanocomposite films. For instance, adding Nisin to polypropylene/montmorillonite nanocomposites can inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium perfringens. The addition of nisin modifies the mechanical properties of such composite films, including tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Meanwhile, the oxygen permeability of the films may increase, but there is no significant change in their water vapor barrier properties.

3. Nisin Loading on Nanocellulose Aerogels

Nisin is double-loaded using two carrier materials: chitosan nanoparticles and nanocellulose. The composite aerogel obtained by freeze-drying has a three-dimensional porous network structure inside, which provides channels for the delivery and release of nisin, extends nisin’s release cycle, and achieves sustained and controlled release of Nisin—thereby enabling it to exert antibacterial effects more effectively.

4. Coating with Chitosan-Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites Containing Nisin

A solution of chitosan-zinc oxide nanocomposites containing nisin is coated on cellulose paper via dip-coating to prepare antibacterial double-layer films. These films exhibit significant inhibitory effects on Listeria monocytogenes, and their antibacterial activity remains nearly unchanged after storage at 4°C for one month. Films containing 1000 μg/mL nisin can completely inactivate the initial count of Listeria monocytogenes on the surface of ultrafiltered white cheese after 14 days of storage at 4°C.

5. Core-Shell Composite Nanofiber Membranes

Nisin is embedded inside core-shell composite nanofiber membranes. These nanofiber membranes possess advantages such as a large specific surface area, high porosity, and surface effects, enabling effective contact with bacteria and enhancing bacteriostatic efficiency. Additionally, the biological activity of nisin embedded in the nanofibers remains stable, allowing it to exert continuous effects. Such membranes hold broad application prospects in seafood preservation and other fields.