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Development of a Layer-by-Layer Zein/CMCS Microcapsule Platform for Bacteriophage Delivery: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Weiquan Liang1,2,3, Tangwu Qiu1,2,3, Zheng Cheng1,2,3
1College of Light Industry and Food Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Novel microcapsules using zein and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) protect bacteriophages (phages) from environmental stress. This food-grade system enhances phage stability and controlled release, improving biopreservation in aquatic products.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bacteriophages (phages) are effective biocontrol agents but lack environmental stability for direct application.
- Developing protective delivery systems is crucial for enhancing phage efficacy in food preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a food-grade microcapsule system for bacteriophage delivery using layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly.
- To enhance phage stability and enable controlled release for improved biopreservation of aquatic products.
Main Methods:
- Utilized layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly of zein and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) to create microcapsules for phage encapsulation.
- Assessed microcapsule structure, phage stability under thermal and pH stress, and release profiles.
- Applied phage-loaded microcapsules to fresh-cut sea bass and evaluated their impact on microbial growth, lipid oxidation, pH, texture, and color.
Main Results:
- Successfully encapsulated lytic phages using zein/CMCS LbL assembly, forming a stable multilayer structure.
- Microencapsulation significantly improved phage tolerance to heat (60-70 °C) and extreme pH (2.0, 12.0).
- Phage-loaded microcapsules effectively delayed pH rise, suppressed microbial growth (TVC < 6 log CFU/g), and controlled lipid oxidation (TBARS: 0.62 mg MDA/kg) in sea bass, outperforming free phages.
Conclusions:
- The zein/CMCS-based LbL microcapsule system offers enhanced physical protection, sustained release, and improved stress tolerance for bacteriophages.
- This novel system presents a promising strategy for advancing phage-based biopreservation in aquatic products, ensuring food safety and quality.
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