Natamycin and nisin supported on starch edible films for controlling mixed culture growth on model systems and Port Salut cheese

• We studied edible films with nisin and natamycin against a mixed culture.
• Nisin did not affect the bioavailability of natamycin and vice versa.
• The films tested as barrier prevented the contamination of the agar and cheese.
• Films containing nisin and natamycin controlled the growth of mixed culture.

Consumer demand for natural food additives has increased and, as a consequence, the use of natural antimicrobials like natamycin and nisin is being investigated. In the case of cheese, surface colonization by microorganisms constitutes a significant risk to consumer's health. In this study, the effectiveness of natamycin and nisin supported in tapioca starch films against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Listeria innocua in a mixed culture present on the surface of a model system and of Port Salut cheese was evaluated. It was observed that the preservatives incorporated in starch films, controlled growth of both microorganisms present together on the surface of the cheese during storage. Additionally, the joint presence of nisin and natamycin was effective as a barrier against a mixed culture preventing an external contamination of cheese and of a model system, during storage. Hence, this film has great potential to be used as antimicrobial edible packaging.