Delayed deterioration in the quality of wild-simulated ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) using hydrogels embedding oregano oil-nanostructured lipid carriers

초록

Wild-simulated ginseng (WSG) is customarily packaged with moss in polystyrene-board boxes to ensure high humidity levels and prevent moisture loss. However, the use of moss as a packaging material is limited by its inherent lack of antimicrobial properties, which often results in the accumulation of fungi and microorganisms over time, leading to significant spoilage. To address this issue, a novel packaging system was developed using oregano oil-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (OE-NLCs)-embedded water-releasing hydrogels with chitosan, citric acid, gelatinized corn starch, sorbitol, and konjac. The most favorable physicochemical characteristics were shown by OE-NLCs stabilized with 10.0% w/w Tween 60, including small particle size (similar to 100 nm), low crystallinity index (similar to 15%), and high encapsulation efficiency (>90%), resulting in sustained antifungal activity against Fusarium solani, as confirmed by the inhibition of both spore germination and mycelial growth. The OE-NLC hydrogels effectively maintained >99% relative humidity in the package, similar to moss, and significantly delayed fungal spoilage. After a storage period of 60 days at a temperature of 4 degrees C, WSGs stored in OE-NLC hydrogels exhibited a retention of moisture content (similar to 70%), water activity (similar to 0.86), and respiration rate, accompanied by negligible physicochemical and microbiological alterations when compared to conventional moss-stored samples. These findings underscore the potential of OE-NLC hydrogels as multifunctional packaging systems that combine moisture control with sustained antifungal activity, offering a promising approach to extend the shelf life of living horticultural products such as WSG.

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