Liposome containing nutmeg oil as the targeted preservative against Listeria monocytogenes in dumplings

In this study, the antibacterial activities of nutmeg oil and nutmeg oil encapsulated in liposome were evaluated. First, nutmeg oil exhibited a significant antibacterial effect on L. monocytogenes by damaging the integrity of the cell membrane, leading to the leakage of ATP and nucleic acid. Subsequently, nutmeg oil was encapsulated in liposome to enhance its chemical stability using a thin film dispersion method. The optimal Zeta potential (-49.2 mV) and entrapment efficiency (26.90%) of liposome were achieved at 5.0 mg mL(-1) nutmeg oil encapsulation. Finally, the selective antibacterial activity for L. monocytogenes using pore-forming toxins (PFTs) to trigger the release of nutmeg oil from liposome was examined by time-kill analysis and gas chromatography (GC). The long-term antibacterial activity test showed that nutmeg oil encapsulated in liposome could extend the treatment time and improve the antibacterial effect on L. monocytogenes in dumplings.