NATURE-INSPIRED DENDRITIC NANOSTRUCTURES FOR CO-DELIVERY OF SYNERGISTIC PHYTOCHEMICALS TO IMPROVE MICROBIAL SAFETY OF FRESH PRODUCE

Our long-term goal is to develop a safe and efficient mitigation strategy via nanotechnology to improve the safety and quality of food. In this proposal, we will test the hypothesis that two EOs (eugenol and cinnamaldehyde) can be encapsulated into biopolymer nanoparticles (NPs) that are strategically designed with dendritic PG and zein (corn protein) for efficient prevention and eradication of bacterial biofilms on fresh produce. The hypothesis is based on fundamental engineering and nanotechnology principles coupled with our preliminary data, indicating that (1) modification of PG (mPG) with aliphatic acid anhydrides increases its surface hydrophobicity without altering nanostructure, and (2) essential oils can be co-solubilized with zein (corn protein) under the heated alkaline condition without organic solvents and then encapsulated into self-assembled zein/mPG NPs during subsequent neutralization. Our hypothesis will be tested by conducting the following three objectives:OBJECTIVE 1: We will prepare and characterize biopolymer NPs with a hydrophobic surface and dendritic nanostructure for the co-delivery of eugenol and cinnamaldehyde.OBJECTIVE 2: We will investigate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of NPs against various foodborne pathogenic bacteria.OBJECTIVE 3: We will test the antimicrobial efficacy of NPs in real applications as washing water for different fresh produce.