Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is a second-generation smart delivery system with a solid matrix at room temperature. This carrier system consists of biocompatible surfactants and lipid materials and is accepted by regulatory authorities for use in various delivery systems. This study is a comparative study between the function of thymol-loaded NLC and thymol-nanoemulsion (NE) in Na-alginate coating to extend the shelf life of fresh chicken meat. Results indicated that the droplet size of the NE and NLC was 105.7 and 164.2 nm with encapsulation efficiency of 99% and 96%, respectively. The agar diffusion method results exhibited higher inhibition zones for free thymol and NE than those for NLC against S. aureus and E. coli. Meanwhile, a faster release profile for thymol was observed in NE than in NLC. The lowest peroxide values, TVBN amounts, microbial quality (against total viable counts, Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, and total mold and yeast), and the highest sensory attributes and color parameters were achieved in nanocomposite alginate coatings. Overall, Al-NE, Al-NLC, and Al-NE-NLC can be potent alternatives for improving the shelf life and stability of fresh chicken fillets during cold storage. In this regard, Al-NLC may be a better choice due to its higher sensory scores over time.
