Controlled Release of Thymol by Cyclodextrin Metal-Organic Frameworks for Preservation of Cherry Tomatoes

Abstract

Thymol is a phenol monoterpene with potential antifungal, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Due to the low water solubility and high volatility of thymol, encapsulation serves as an effective tool during application. In the present study, cyclodextrin (CD)-based metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) were synthesized using α-CD, β-CD, and γ-CD as organic building blocks, and further complexed with thymol to produce three CD-MOF-THY inclusion complexes (ICs). The encapsulation content, release kinetics and fruit preservation effect of ICs were analyzed. Results showed that thymol was well embedded in γ-CD-MOFs, with the highest encapsulation content of 286.7 ± 8.4 mg/g. Release kinetics revealed that CD-MOFs exhibited a controlled release effect toward thymol for 35 days. The release kinetics of three ICs fit the Rigter–Peppas model well, with γ-CD-MOF-THY showing the lowest release rate constant of 2.85 at 50 °C, RH 75%. Moreover, γ-CD-MOF-THY exhibited a remarkable preservation performance on cherry tomatoes with the lowest decay index (18.75%) and weight loss (5.17%) after 15 days of storage, suggesting this material as a potential fresh-keeping material for fruit and vegetable preservation.

Encapsulation of thymol and limonene in metal–organic frameworks for inhibition of Colletotrichum musae growth

“…Li et al . (2022) reported that thymol was released from cyclodextrin‐MOFs for 35 days. The sustained release of thymol allowed its exposure to the fungal cells for a longer period.…”

“…The volatile thymol was released continuously even beyond the period when the fungus had already reached its maximum growth after a week of incubation. Li et al (2022) reported that thymol was released from cyclodextrin-MOFs for 35 days. The sustained release of thymol allowed its exposure to the fungal cells for a longer period.…”

A Novel Preservative Film with a Pleated Surface Structure and Dual Bioactivity Properties for Application in Strawberry Preservation due to Its Efficient Apoptosis of Pathogenic Fungal Cells

“…didyma) leaves and flowers (MEO) has been confirmed to be a broad-spectrum antiseptic with potential as a food preservative. − We previously identified thymol as the principal component of MEO, postulating that it is the compound responsible for MEO’s antimicrobial effects . Studies also demonstrated that thymol, a nontoxic natural product, exhibits remarkable antifungal properties and potential as a food preservative, resulting from the phenolic hydroxyl group pharmacophore constituted in its chemical structure. − The research foundation of our collaboration with a company in developing Hippophae rhamnoides L. (H. rhamnoides) resources, along with other studies, indicated the potential of H.…”

Thymol-Nanoparticles as Effective Biocides against the Quarantine Pathogen Xylella fastidiosa

“…Exploited materials do not act only as protective shells, but they allow a great interaction with target cells and a gradual release in them [ 17 ]. Different systems and materials have been applicated for thymol, including silica colloids, chitosan particles, and cyclodextrins [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Hence, nanogel, nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions were studied for optimizing the usage of thymol as a biocide [ 19 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…Different systems and materials have been applicated for thymol, including silica colloids, chitosan particles, and cyclodextrins [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Hence, nanogel, nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions were studied for optimizing the usage of thymol as a biocide [ 19 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. This is the first report about the investigation of thymol against the quarantine pathogen Xylella fastidiosa .…”