Controlled release of allyl isothiocyanate from brown algae Laminaria japonica and mesoporous silica MCM-41 for inhibiting food-borne bacteria

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a naturally occurring antimicrobial compound, is an effective inhibitor of various pathogens, but its use in the food industry is limited by its volatility and pungency. The objective of this study was to overcome the volatility of AITC using dried Laminaria japonica and mesoporous silica MCM-41 as its carrier. AITC-loaded L. japonica (raw and deoiled) powder and silica MCM-41 was achieved via vapor adsorption. The study of AITC adsorption and desorption was determined by monitoring sample weight changing with time. AITC presence in L. japonica and MCM-41 samples was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Antimicrobial tests were made against 4 microorganisms: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli , and Salmonella Typhimurium. Controlled release and antimicrobial activity from MCM-41 was always superior to those from raw and deoiled L. japonica .