Evaluation of Zataria multiflora Boiss. and Carum copticum L. Essential Oil Based Nanoemulsions in Inhibition of Byssochlamys fulva Growth in Apple Juice

Byssochlamys fulva is a heat-resistant fungus whose growth causes significant economic losses since it is mostly implicated in the spoilage of processed fruits (e.g., apple juice). Essential oils have received an increasing attention for use in food products to prevent mold growths. In this study, the ultrasonic emulsification method was employed to prepare Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential Oil (ZEO) and Carum copticum L. Essential Oil )CEO) based NanoEmulsions (NEs) separately using a mixture of components including Z. multiflora and C. copticum oils, each as an organic phase, as well as the surfactant Tween 80 at a ratio of 1:4 v/v. The Z. multiflora NanoEmulsion (ZEO-NE) formulated with a droplet diameter of 19.42±1.66 nm and a PolyDispersity Index (PDI) of 0.377 and the Carum copticum NanoEmulsion (CEO-NE) with a droplet diameter of 15.13±0.56 nm and a PDI of 0.253 was found to remain stable for more than 9 months at 25 °C. The in vitro evaluation revealed that the the ZEO-NE at a concentration of 5 μL mL-1 and CEO-NE at 25 μL mL-1 gave rise to inhibition effects of 84.23±0.006% (P< 0.05) and 86%±0.012 (P< 0.05) against B. fulva, respectively. The in situ assessment of the nanoemulsions in apple juice revealed a significant (P< 0.05) reduction in the inoculated fungal population. Results indicate that the ZEO-NE and CEO-NE can be used as antifungal compounds in beverages.