Trends in Chitosan as a Primary Biopolymer for Functional Films and Coatings Manufacture for Food and Natural Products

Some of the current challenges faced by the food industry deal with the natural ripening process and the short shelf-life of fresh and minimally processed products. The loss of vitamins and minerals, lipid oxidation, enzymatic browning, and growth of microorganisms have been the main issues for many years within the innovation and improvement of food packaging, which seeks to preserve and protect the product until its consumption. Most of the conventional packaging are petroleum-derived plastics, which after product consumption becomes a major concern due to environmental damage provoked by their difficult degradation. In this sense, many researchers have shown interest in edible films and coatings, which represent an environmentally friendly alternative for food packaging. To date, chitosan (CS) is among the most common materials in the formulation of these biodegradable packaging together with polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. The good film-forming and biological properties (i.e., antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral) of CS have fostered its usage in food packaging. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to collect and discuss the latest development works (over the last five years) aimed at using CS in the manufacture of edible films and coatings for food preservation. Particular attention has been devoted to relevant findings in the field, together with the novel preparation protocols of such biodegradable packaging. Finally, recent trends in new concepts of composite films and coatings are also addressed.

Download Full-text

Utilization of Agro-Industrial Wastes as Edible Coating and Films for Food Packaging Materials

10.5772/intechopen.99786 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Urmila Choudhary ◽

Basant Kumar Bhinchhar ◽

Vinod Kumar Paswan ◽

Sheela Kharkwal ◽

Satya Prakash Yadav ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Shelf Life ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Edible Films ◽

Food Preservation ◽

Solid Wastes ◽

Industrial Wastes ◽

Packaging Materials ◽

Edible Coatings ◽

Biodegradable Packaging ◽

Synthetic Materials

Mostly, food packaging employs synthetic materials obtained from nonrenewable sources. These packaging materials are based on petrochemicals and cause substantial environmental problems by producing massive amounts of non-biodegradable solid wastes. Edible coatings and films are considered as the potential solution to these problems of non-biodegradable packaging solid wastes for maintaining food-environment interactions, retaining food quality, and extending shelf life. In addition, edible coatings and films offer prevention from microbial spoilage of packed foods by controlling moisture and gas barrier characteristics. Increasing environmental concerns and consumer demands for high-quality eco-friendly packaging have fueled the advancement of innovative packaging technologies, for instance, the development of biodegradable films from renewable agricultural and food processing industry wastes. Therefore, the current chapter presents the application of edible coatings and films as an alternative to conventional packaging, emphasizing the fundamental characterization that these biodegradable packaging should hold for specific applications such as food preservation and shelf life enhancement. The primary employed components (e.g., biopolymers, bioactive, and additives components), manufacturing processes (for edible films or coatings), and their application to specific foods have all been given special consideration in this chapter. Besides, a future vision for the use of edible films and coatings as quality indicators for perishable foods is presented.

Download Full-text

Basil Essential Oil: Composition, Antimicrobial Properties, and Microencapsulation to Produce Active Chitosan Films for Food Packaging

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10010121 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 121

Author(s):

Ghita Amor ◽

Mohammed Sabbah ◽

Lucia Caputo ◽

Mohamed Idbella ◽

Vincenzo De Feo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Shelf Life ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Edible Films ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Oil Composition ◽

Packaging System ◽

Cooked Ham

The essential oil (EO) from basil—Ocimum basilicum—was characterized, microencapsulated by vibration technology, and used to prepare a new type of packaging system designed to extend the food shelf life. The basil essential oil (BEO) chemical composition and antimicrobial activity were analyzed, as well as the morphological and biological properties of the derived BEO microcapsules (BEOMC). Analysis of BEO by gas chromatography demonstrated that the main component was linalool, whereas the study of its antimicrobial activity showed a significant inhibitory effect against all the microorganisms tested, mostly Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, the prepared BEOMC showed a spheroidal shape and retained the EO antimicrobial activity. Finally, chitosan-based edible films were produced, grafted with BEOMC, and characterized for their physicochemical and biological properties. Since their effective antimicrobial activity was demonstrated, these films were tested as packaging system by wrapping cooked ham samples during 10 days of storage, with the aim of their possible use to extend the shelf life of the product. It was demonstrated that the obtained active film can both control the bacterial growth of the cooked ham and markedly inhibit the pH increase of the packaged food.

Download Full-text

Edible Films and Coatings as Food-Quality Preservers: An Overview

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10020249 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 249

Author(s):

Elsa Díaz-Montes ◽

Roberto Castro-Muñoz

Keyword(s):

Food Packaging ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Food Products ◽

Edible Films ◽

Food Preservation ◽

Edible Coatings ◽

Nutritional Properties ◽

Current State ◽

Synthetic Materials

Food preservation technologies are currently facing important challenges at extending the shelf-life of perishable food products (e.g., meat, fish, milk, eggs, and many raw fruits and vegetables) that help to meet the daily nutrient requirement demand. In addition, food preservation has gone beyond only preservation; the current techniques are focused on the fulfillment of two additional objectives, the suitability of the used processes and generation of environmentally friendly products with non-presence of any side effect on health. Moreover, they are also looking for additional nutritional properties. One of these preservation protocols deals with the use of edible films and coatings. Therefore, this review shows an overview of synthetic materials (e.g., glass, aluminum, plastic, and paperboard), as well as the regulations that limit their application in food packaging. Further, this review releases the current-state-of-the-art of the use of films and edible coatings as an alternative to conventional packaging, providing the main features that these biodegradable packaging should meet towards specific uses for the conservation and improvement of various food products. Herein, particular attention has been paid to the main used components (e.g., biopolymers, additives, bioactive, and probiotic components), manufacturing methods (for edible films or coatings) and their application to specific products. In addition, an outlook of the application of edible films and coatings as quality indicators of perishable products is shown.

Download Full-text

Development and Characterization of Yeast-Incorporated Antimicrobial Cellulose Biofilms for Edible Food Packaging Application

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13142310 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (14) ◽

pp. 2310

Author(s):

Omar Mohammad Atta ◽

Sehrish Manan ◽

Abeer Ahmed Qaed Ahmed ◽

Mohamed Awad ◽

Mazhar Ul-Islam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Shelf Life ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Water Solubility ◽

Elevated Temperatures ◽

Chemical Interaction ◽

Composite Films ◽

High Water ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Edible Films ◽

Ex Situ

The unique properties and advantages of edible films over conventional food packaging have led the way to their extensive exploration in recent years. Moreover, the incorporation of bioactive components during their production has further enhanced the intrinsic features of packaging materials. This study was aimed to develop edible and bioactive food packaging films comprising yeast incorporated into bacterial cellulose (BC) in conjunction with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and glycerol (Gly) to extend the shelf life of packaged food materials. First, yeast biomass and BC hydrogels were produced by Meyerozyma guilliermondii (MT502203.1) and Gluconacetobacter xylinus (ATCC53582), respectively, and then the films were developed ex situ by mixing 30 wt.% CMC, 30 wt.% Gly, 2 wt.% yeast dry biomass, and 2 wt.% BC slurry. FE-SEM observation showed the successful incorporation of Gly and yeast into the fibrous cellulose matrix. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the development of composite films through chemical interaction between BC, CMC, Gly, and yeast. The developed BC/CMC/Gly/yeast composite films showed high water solubility (42.86%). The yeast-incorporated films showed antimicrobial activities against three microbial strains, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Saccharomyces aureus, by producing clear inhibition zones of 16 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm, respectively, after 24 h. Moreover, the films were non-toxic against NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells. Finally, the coating of oranges and tomatoes with BC/CMC/Gly/yeast composites enhanced the shelf life at different storage temperatures. The BC/CMC/Gly/yeast composite film-coated oranges and tomatoes demonstrated acceptable sensory features such as odor and color, not only at 6 °C but also at room temperature and further elevated temperatures at 30 °C and 40 °C for up to two weeks. The findings of this study indicate that the developed BC/CMC/Gly/yeast composite films could be used as edible packaging material with high nutritional value and distinctive properties related to the film component, which would provide protection to foods and extend their shelf life, and thus could find applications in the food industry.

Download Full-text

Gelatin-Based Films and Coatings for Food Packaging Applications

Coatings ◽

10.3390/coatings6040041 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 41 ◽

Cited By ~ 69

Author(s):

Marina Ramos ◽

Arantzazu Valdés ◽

Ana Beltrán ◽

María Garrigós

Keyword(s):

Food Quality ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Edible Films ◽

Food Preservation ◽

Fish Products ◽

Wide Range ◽

Future Potential ◽

Packaging Industry ◽

Global Food

This review discusses the latest advances in the composition of gelatin-based edible films and coatings, including nanoparticle addition, and their properties are reviewed along their potential for application in the food packaging industry. Gelatin is an important biopolymer derived from collagen and is extensively used by various industries because of its technological and functional properties. Nowadays, a very wide range of components are available to be included as additives to improve its properties, as well as its applications and future potential. Antimicrobials, antioxidants and other agents are detailed due to the fact that an increasing awareness among consumers regarding healthy lifestyle has promoted research into novel techniques and additives to prolong the shelf life of food products. Thanks to its ability to improve global food quality, gelatin has been particularly considered in food preservation of meat and fish products, among others.

Download Full-text

DEVELOPMENT OF BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING FILMS AND EDIBLE COATINGS FOR FOOD PRODUCTS BASED ON COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Progress on Chemistry and application of Chitin and its Derivatives ◽

10.15259/pcacd.25.009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol XXV ◽

pp. 124-131

Author(s):

Elena Eduardovna Kuprina ◽

Anastasiya Nikolaevna Yakkola ◽

Andrey Nikolaevich Manuylov ◽

Olesya Kabysh ◽

Marina Gavrilyevna Zhirkova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Composite Materials ◽

Food Production ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Edible Films ◽

Edible Coatings ◽

Natural Conditions ◽

Biodegradable Packaging ◽

Physical Chemical ◽

Bactericidal Properties ◽

Single Use

Plastic is undoubtedly the most convenient type of packaging, but at the same time it is not ecologically friendly. The widespread use of packaging materials all over the world makes us think more and more about the harm of plastic to the environment and humans. It does not decompose in natural conditions and accumulates in huge quantities, because it is mostly used as a single-use packaging. Therefore, the development of environmentally friendly biodegradable edible films and coatings is relevant. Edible food packaging is an important step in food production and one of the innovative directions of food packaging development. This article presents materials on the development of the formulation and manufacturing technology of new composite materials based on sodium alginate and chitosan for the production of edible coatings and films. The results of the physical, chemical and bactericidal properties of these materials are presented.

Download Full-text

PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH KULIT DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) DAN KULIT CEMPEDAK (Artocarpus integer) SEBAGAI EDIBLE FILM

Jurnal Riset Industri Hasil Hutan ◽

10.24111/jrihh.v6i1.1222 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 27 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Desi Mustika Amaliyah

Keyword(s):

Tensile Strength ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Edible Films ◽

Edible Film ◽

Durio Zibethinus ◽

Yield Result ◽

Pre Treatment

Durian (Durio zibethinus) and cempedak (Artocarpus integer) peels waste are not used by the society. The research aim is to extract pectin from durian and cempedak peels and to formulate the pectin into edible films for food packaging. The research stages were first pre-treatment of durian and cempedak peels, pectin extraction, pectin drying, and pectin application as edible films with concentration of 0%, 5%, and 15%. Based on this research it was concluded that pectin can be extracted from durian and cempedak peels with yield result of 27.97 % and 55.58 %, respectively. Edible film obtained has similar characteristics between raw materials cempedak and durian peels. The higher concentration of cempedak peel pectin increased the thickness, but decreased the tensile strength and elongation at a concentration of 15%. While in edible films from durian peel pectin, the higher concentration of pectin decreased the thickness of edible film on pectin concentration of 15%, lowered tensile strength and raised the edible film elongation.Keywords: waste, durian, cempedak, pectin extraction, edible film

Download Full-text

Development and characterization of probiotic mucilage based edible films for the preservation of fruits and vegetables

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-95994-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Seyed Mohammad Davachi ◽

Neethu Pottackal ◽

Hooman Torabi ◽

Alireza Abbaspourrad

Keyword(s):

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Uv Light ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Edible Films ◽

Food Preservation ◽

Elongation At Break ◽

The Public ◽

Medical Benefits ◽

Seed Mucilage

AbstractThere is growing interest among the public and scientific community toward the use of probiotics to potentially restore the composition of the gut microbiome. With the aim of preparing eco-friendly probiotic edible films, we explored the addition of probiotics to the seed mucilage films of quince, flax, and basil. These mucilages are natural and compatible blends of different polysaccharides that have demonstrated medical benefits. All three seed mucilage films exhibited high moisture retention regardless of the presence of probiotics, which is needed to help preserve the moisture/freshness of food. Films from flax and quince mucilage were found to be more thermally stable and mechanically robust with higher elastic moduli and elongation at break than basil mucilage films. These films effectively protected fruits against UV light, maintaining the probiotics viability and inactivation rate during storage. Coated fruits and vegetables retained their freshness longer than uncoated produce, while quince-based probiotic films showed the best mechanical, physical, morphological and bacterial viability. This is the first report of the development, characterization and production of 100% natural mucilage-based probiotic edible coatings with enhanced barrier properties for food preservation applications containing probiotics.

Download Full-text

Protein-Based Films and Coatings for Food Industry Applications

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13050769 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 769

Author(s):

Vlad Mihalca ◽

Andreea Diana Kerezsi ◽

Achim Weber ◽

Carmen Gruber-Traub ◽

Jürgen Schmucker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Packaging ◽

Meat Products ◽

Water Vapor Permeability ◽

Food Product ◽

Edible Films ◽

Vapor Permeability ◽

Area Of Interest ◽

Industry Applications ◽

Economic Perspectives ◽

Materials Used

Food packaging is an area of interest not just for food producers or food marketing, but also for consumers who are more and more aware about the fact that food packaging has a great impact on food product quality and on the environment. The most used materials for the packaging of food are plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Still, over time edible films have become widely used for a variety of different products and different food categories such as meat products, vegetables, or dairy products. For example, proteins are excellent materials used for obtaining edible or non-edible coatings and films. The scope of this review is to overview the literature on protein utilization in food packages and edible packages, their functionalization, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal activities, and economic perspectives. Different vegetable (corn, soy, mung bean, pea, grass pea, wild and Pasankalla quinoa, bitter vetch) and animal (whey, casein, keratin, collagen, gelatin, surimi, egg white) protein sources are discussed. Mechanical properties, thickness, moisture content, water vapor permeability, sensorial properties, and suitability for the environment also have a significant impact on protein-based packages utilization.

Download Full-text

Recent Developments in Seafood Packaging Technologies

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10050940 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 940

Author(s):

Michael G. Kontominas ◽

Anastasia V. Badeka ◽

Ioanna S. Kosma ◽

Cosmas I. Nathanailides

Keyword(s):

Shelf Life ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Modified Atmosphere Packaging ◽

High Water ◽

Edible Films ◽

Nitrogenous Compounds ◽

Quality Properties ◽

Unsaturated Lipids ◽

Active Food Packaging ◽

Seafood Products

Seafood products are highly perishable, owing to their high water activity, close to neutral pH, and high content of unsaturated lipids and non-protein nitrogenous compounds. Thus, such products require immediate processing and/or packaging to retain their safety and quality. At the same time, consumers prefer fresh, minimally processed seafood products that maintain their initial quality properties. The present article aims to review the literature over the past decade on: (i) innovative, individual packaging technologies applied to extend the shelf life of fish and fishery products, (ii) the most common combinations of the above technologies applied as multiple hurdles to maximize the shelf life of seafood products, and (iii) the respective food packaging legislation. Packaging technologies covered include: Modified atmosphere packaging; vacuum packaging; vacuum skin packaging; active food packaging, including oxygen scavengers; carbon dioxide emitters; moisture regulators; antioxidant and antimicrobial packaging; intelligent packaging, including freshness indicators; time–temperature indicators and leakage indicators; retort pouch processing and edible films; coatings/biodegradable packaging, used individually or in combination for maximum preservation potential.

Download Full-text