Abstract:Nitric oxide (NO), as an endogenous diatomic signaling molecule, exhibits excellent preservation function in food field due to its outstanding antibacterial, antibiofilm and anti-pest properties. Although NO possesses significant physiological and biochemical functions, its further promotion and application are constrained by factors such as inherent poor stability, low utilization rate, toxicity from excessive or improper use, and associated side effects. Currently, a significant number of researchers are dedicated to the development of NO donor sustained-release vectors and systems that exhibit improved stability, higher efficiency, and enhanced safety. In this paper, the production and signaling pathways of NO are reviewed, and the design and development of various types of NO donor sustained-release systems are analyzed, as well as their practical effectiveness and application potential in food preservation across categories such as meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables are summarized. The development of NO donor sustained-release system can provide new ideas and solutions to enhance the bioavailability of NO, improve the food quality and extend its shelf life. This approach demonstrates significant potential for application in the food industry.
