In this research, the synergistic influences of UV light and relative humidity on the structure and immediate triggered release abilities of microcapsules loaded with oregano essential oil (OEO) were investigated. The microcapsules sufficiently were encouraged to release OEO by UV irradiation and regulated by ambient humidity. Relatively low humidity from 23 to 58% had no impact on the encapsulation efficiency and release processes of microcapsules in food simulations and air significantly. Analysis of microstructure showed that UV irradiation and higher relative humidity were conducive to fracturing glycosidic bonds of microcapsule shell through hydroxyl radicals generated by TiO2 and vapour. Finally, microcapsules were applied to the preservation of chicken breasts for 6 d and the results showed that chicken breasts with microcapsules that had been irradiated by UV light at 76 %RH would have better quality and the shelf life was extended, which evidenced its excellent foreground in meat preservation.
Keywords: Humidity regulation; Microcapsules; Preservation; Release; UV light.
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