Nanocomposite active packaging based on chitosan biopolymer loaded with nano-liposomal essential oil: Its characterizations and effects on microbial, and chemical properties of refrigerated chicken breast fillet.

Biodegradable films reinforced with bio-nanomaterials are a solution for developing active packaging systems, shelf-life extension and protection of environment against conventional packaging. This study aimed to characterize the biocompatible chitosan (CS) films formulated with nano-liposomal garlic essential oil (NLGEO) and assess the physicho-mechanical, morphology properties and also microbial and chemical changes in chicken fillets during storage time at 4 °C. NLGEO was obtained by thin-layer hydration-sonication method using glycerol and tween 80 as plasticizer and emulsifier, respectively. Different levels (0, 0.5, 1 and 2%) of NLGEO with average size of ~101 nm were added into the chitosan matrix and films fabricated by casting method. The average size, polydispersity index and zeta potential were ~101 nm, 0.127 and -7.23, respectively. Control samples showed higher values for pH, total volatile nitrogen (TVN), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and microbial count including total viable count (TVC), coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and psychrotroph bacteria than treated samples. The films with higher NLGEO content represented stronger inhibitory effects. The incorporation of NLGEO improved the mechanical properties and water resistance of active films. Microstructure analysis also showed a nearly smooth surface morphology and homogenous structure with a good dispersion for NLGEO films. Significant synergistic effects in chemical and bacterial preservation of chicken fillet samples were observed by NLGEO films. The optimal mechanical and barrier properties of chitosan-NLGEO films introduced it a potential active packaging to extend the shelf life of chicken fillet.

Kefir protective effects against nicotine cessation-induced anxiety and cognition impairments in rats.

BACKGROUND: Nicotine as one of the potent psychostimulant drugs is characterized by its parasympathomimetic activity. Upon the abrupt discontinuation of nicotine intake, a number of symptoms such as anxiety, depression and cognition impairment develop. Kefir as a food supplement is rich in tryptophan. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of Kefir on nicotine cessation-induced anxiety, depression and cognition impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult male rats were divided into four groups. All the groups received 6 mg/kg/day of nicotine for 17 days and then the negative control groups got 5 mg/kg/day of normal saline. The positive control groups were given 40 mg/kg/day of Sertraline HCl for 7 days. The group treated with Cow Milk Kefir (CMK) and Soy Milk Kefir (SMK) received 5 mg/kg/day for 7 days. On the 25(th) day, Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Open Field Test (OFT) and Forced Swim Test (FST) were used to investigate anxiety and depression. In addition, Moris Water Maze was applied to evaluate learning and memory in the animals between the 20(th) and 25(th) days. RESULTS: The results showed that administration of CMK, SMK and Sertraline had higher anti-depression and anxiolytic effects on nicotine withdrawal-induced depression and anxiety in rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, CMK and SMK improved learning and memory impairment results in the nicotine withdrawal period (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that Kefir had a potential effect on the treatment of nicotine cessation-induced depression, anxiety and cognition impairment in the animal model. Kefir may be useful for adjunct therapy for nicotine abandonment treatment protocols.