Antimicrobial Packaging Materials from Poly(Lactic Acid) Incorporated with Pectin-Nisaplin® Microparticles
The thermostability of nisin and Nisaplin® was investigated in the presence and absence of pectin. By mixing with pectin, both nisin and Nisaplin® were able to inhibit microbial growth, even after heating to 433 K. In contrast, without pectin, the nisin was totally inactivated after heat treatment. Nisin and pectin in solution were complexed, as shown by atomic force microscopic analysis. Probably, the complex formation between the polysaccharide and the polypeptide improves the nisin thermostability; however, a detailed mechanism remains to be resolved.