Inhibition of lipid oxidation in refrigerated beef using multilayer encapsulated chitosan/gum arabic/polydextrose...

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of multilayer encapsulation of single-bulb garlic extract using a chitosan/gum arabic/polydextrose (MESG) system as a natural antioxidant in inhibiting oxidative damage in beef steak stored at refrigerator temperatures.

The study was designed using a completely randomized factorial design. The first factor was the concentration of MESG (MESG-0%, MESG-4%, and MESG-8%), and the second factor was the observation day (day 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15). The marinated meat samples were stored at chiller temperature (6°C) for 15 days, and then the samples were analyzed for antioxidant activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values, free fatty acid (FFA), pH, and fatty acid profile.

Physical analysis results indicated that the MESG displayed a complex, porous structure of MESG. The addition of MESG had a positive effect on the TBARS value, FFAs, and pH. Compared to the control (MESG-0%), MESG-4% and MESG-8% presented significantly (p<0.05) lower FFA levels and TBARS, while maintaining the stability of C20:4 ω6 (arachidonic acid) and C20:2 (eicosadienoic acid) during a 15-day storage period. The results showed a potential protective effect of the encapsulation method against lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage.

This encapsulation technology is a strategic approach for preserving natural antioxidant quality, thereby extending shelf life and maintaining the quality of meat products, while also providing a viable alternative to synthetic preservatives.