A Review of Plant Extracts and Essential Oils as Bio-based Additives in Biodegradable Polymer Coatings for Food Packaging
Subject Areas :
Marjan Nouri
1
(Department of Food Science and Technology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran)
Keywords: Biological, / Coating, / Nanoliposome, / Biopolymer, / Essential oil,
Abstract :
Edible films and coatings have attracted extraordinary consideration due to rising demands for ready-to-eat foods with extended quality standards and shelf lives. Packaging without additives or pigments is insufficient to preserve substrates due to several drawbacks. As a solution, free or encapsulated extracts and essential oils with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and emulsifying attributes effectively improve coatings. Significant influence is distinguished by the type, shape, and level of extracts and essential oils in reducing the microbial load of edible packaging and extending food shelf life. Applying novel methods, such as nanocapsules surrounding plant extracts or essential oils, affects packaging stability due to the preservation of biologically active compounds against environmental factors such as oxygen, light, moisture, and pH. This procedure involves manipulating atoms and molecules that lead to the formation of nanoscale structures and protecting optimal features such as higher biological activity for extracts or essential oils over time. The aim of the present study is to highlight coated substrates, natural packaging, and additives, which demonstrate significant influences when applied with free or encapsulated extracts and essential oils. Furthermore, distinct packaging films are particularly important to indicate antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in coated substrates. Additionally, the benefits and disadvantages of antimicrobial packaging and combined antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging are examined in the current research. The biogenic smart coating has been introduced as an approach requiring fewer carbon footprints and ensuring food safety; therefore, these films are less expensive, environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and beneficial.
