Extension of ultrafiltered cheese shelf life using edible coatings containing supercritical rosemary, thyme and coriander extracts as antimicrobial agents

Currently, supercritical extraction allows for the “green” isolation of plant antimicrobial components and their subsequent use in the food industry. The study aims to extend the shelf life of ultrafiltered cheese by using edible coatings containing supercritical fluid extracts (SFEs) of Rosmarinus officinalis L., Thymus vulgaris and Coriandrum sativum L. The SFEs chemical profiling was studied using GC-MS. Ten emulsion coating formulations were prepared using whey protein concentrate and the SFEs. The antimicrobial activity of coatings was assessed using well diffusion assay. Their effect on shelf life, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the ultrafiltered cheese samples was investigated. GC/MS analysis of Rosmarinus officinalis L., Thymus vulgaris and Coriandrum sativum L. showed that 1,8-Cineol, m-Cymene, and Linalool are the major compounds with 35.4, 41.6, and 61.3 % respectively. The particle size of all formulations ranged from 157.3 to 453.7 nm and had a broad size distribution with a low Polydispersity Index values ranging from 0.35 to 0.49. The obtained Zeta potential values from −27.8 to −36.0 mV indicate the stability of the SFE-emulsion formulations. The antimicrobial trials showed that formulations, that mainly contained Thymus vulgaris, demonstrated more inhibition effect against all tested strains than other formulas with inhibition zone diameter ranged between 10.7 and 16.3 mm and followed by formulations, that mainly contained Rosmarinus officinalis L., with inhibition zones diameter between 6.7 and 11.7 mm depending on microbial type. Combining rosemary and coriander extracts synergistically enhanced their antimicrobial effect and extended the shelf life of cheese beyond 40 days. •Supercritical plant extracts form stable emulsions with whey protein concentrate.•Emulsion coatings reduce bacteria, mold and yeast counts in cheese.•The coatings extend the cheese shelf life up to 40 days.•Formula with γ-terpinene and m-cymene has highest preservation efficiency.•Rosemary and coriander extracts in a ratio of 1:2 have synergistic efficiency.