Antimicrobial efficacy of liposomes containing d-limonene and its effect on the storage life of blueberries

Germination of B. cinerea conidia was completely suppressed over 48 h by a 50 μM concentration of limonene. Liposomes exhibited 2.2 and 2.8 log10 reductions for P. chrysogenum, whereas 3.7 and 4.6 log10 reductions were observed for B. cinerea with 10 μM and 50 μM limonene, respectively. The in vivo study of liposome coatings on blueberries also revealed protection against microbial growth even after nine weeks of storage at 4 °C with liposomes reducing blueberry spoilage by more than 60% at the end of nine weeks. The results of this study can benefit the produce industry through both enhancement of food safety and extending the shelf life of blueberries, further highlighting the commercial applications of liposomes.