Efficient reinforcement of chitosan-based coatings for Ricotta cheese with non-toxic, active, and smart nanoparticles

[Display omitted] •The single type of nanoparticles causes active and smart properties of the coating.•The coating possesses enhanced mechanical and barrier characteristics.•The coating significantly improves shelf-life of Ricotta cheese. We developed new smart and active nanoparticles with a thermal sensing core and antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV-absorbing shell. Incorporation of the newly designed nanoparticles into the chitosan matrix in a CS:NPs mass ratio 1:0.5 results in advanced nanocomposite food coatings, which possess enhanced mechanical and barrier properties, together with higher antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV-absorbing activity. Moreover, the resultant food coatings are non-toxic. Thus, we prepared new food coatings, in which active (antibacterial, antioxidant, UV-absorbing) and smart (temperature sensitive) properties are enabled by the same single type of nanoparticles. The developed food coatings are efficient for the prolongation and improvement of shelf life of Ricotta cheese.