The Modification of In Situ SiOx Chitosan Coatings by ZnO/TiO₂ NPs and Its Preservation Properties to Silver Carp Fish Balls

The composite chitosan coatings were prepared and characterized to evaluate their preservation properties for silver carp fish balls, and the microstructures and physicochemical properties of the coatings were improved by in situ nano silicon oxide (SiOx) and zinc oxide/titania (ZnO/TiO₂ ) nano-particles (NPs). In the chitosan coatings, when the chitosan combines with NPs by chemical bonds, the crystal lattice is slightly changed due to the modification of NPs. The chitosan coatings modified by NPs showed few cracks, among which sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) modified ZnO/TiO₂ /SiOx-chitosan (ZTS-CS) coating is proved to be the optimal one. The change of the freshness index and the texture of the fish balls are delayed by the coatings due to their gas permeability and antibacterial properties. The preservation properties of the chitosan coatings for Silver Carp fish balls are improved by in situ SiOx, and further improved by co-modification of ZnO/TiO₂ NPs. Furthermore, the surface modification of ZnO/TiO₂ NPs enhances the preservation properties of the chitosan coating. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In our previous study, in situ SiOx was found to improve antibacterial and preservation properties of chitosan coating, leading to extending shelf time of Sciaenops ocellatus. In order to further improve properties of chitosan coatings, we added nontoxic edible nano materials to the in situ SiOx chitosan coatings. In situ SiOx modified by ZnO/TiO₂ NPs were synthesized, measured, and characterized in this study, and were applied for the preservation of silver carp fish balls. It could serve as a potential preservation material due to the increasing mechanical preservation properties. Through the results, the ZnO/TiO₂ /SiOx-chitosan (ZTS-CS) coatings have potential as application in the food industry to guarantee food quality and extend shelf life of products.