Tannin and chitosan composite nanoparticle (TCN) materials were evaluated for their ability to inhibit germination and growth of Colletotrichum acutatum, a common soft fruit pathogen that causes rot by infecting fruits at the pre- and post-harvest stages. Results show that TCN can significantly inhibit germination and growth rate of C. acutatum in a dose dependent manner. TCN were also evaluated for their ability to reduce the virulence of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (Ex-PEC) by using an in vitro assay to study the invasion of gastrointestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2). Results show that TCN significantly reduced invasion of intestinal epithelial cells by Ex-PEC in a dose dependent manner. These findings indicate that application of TCN to the surface of fresh fruits and vegetables, incorporation into processed meat products and inclusion in packaging materials such, as films, may improve the quality and safety of food products.

Applications of tannin-chitosan composite nanoparticles for improved food quality and safety

245th National Meeting (2013)

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