Anethum graveolens Essential Oil Encapsulation in Chitosan Nanomatrix: Investigations on In Vitro Release Behavior, Organoleptic Attributes, and Efficacy as Potential Delivery Vehicles Against Biodeterioration of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

• DOI: 10.1007/s11947-021-02589-z
• Publication Date: 2021-02-18T23:47:00Z
• Authors: Somenath Das; Vipin Kumar Singh; Abhishek Kumar Dw...; Anand Kumar Chaud...; Nawal Kishore Dubey
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 0404 agricultural biotechnology; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences

The study deals with first time report on encapsulation of chemically characterized Anethum graveolens essential oil within chitosan nanomatrix (Nm-AGEO) using ionic gelation technique to enhance the antimicrobial, antiaflatoxigenic, antioxidant, and in situ efficacy against stored rice biodeterioration. GC-MS analysis of AGEO revealed dill apiol (33.79%), carvone (27.19%), and limonene (13.76%) as major components. Nm-AGEO characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed successful encapsulation of AGEO within chitosan as an encapsulant. Biphasic and sustained release pattern reflected controlled volatilization of bioactives, helpful in shelf-life extension of stored food commodities. Nm-AGEO caused significant impairment in fungal ergosterol biosynthesis and enhanced leakage of vital ions indicating destabilization in plasma membrane integrity. Inhibition of methylglyoxal (aflatoxin inducer) biosynthesis by Nm-AGEO confirmed novel antiaflatoxigenic mechanism of action, suggesting its future exploitation for development of aflatoxin-resistant rice varieties through green transgenics. Nm-AGEO induced impairment in antioxidant defense enzymes (SOD, CAT) and non-enzymatic defense biomolecules GSH and GSSG revealing biochemical mechanism of action. In silico modeling of carvone and limonene with Omt-A and Ver-1 genes suggested molecular mechanism of aflatoxin inhibition. Treatment of rice samples with Nm-AGEO caused significant protection from aflatoxin B1 contamination and lipid peroxidation without altering organoleptic properties. Moreover, favorable safety profile for mammalian system and non-phytotoxic nature of chitosan-fabricated AGEO nanoemulsion-based delivery system recommend attention of food industries for its formulation as potential green preservative.