Edible Polymers and Secondary Bioactive Compounds for Food Packaging Applications: Antimicrobial, Mechanical, and Gas Barrier Properties

Abstract

Edible polymers such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids are biodegradable and biocompatible materials applied as a thin layer to the surface of food or inside the package. They enhance food quality by prolonging its shelf-life and avoiding the deterioration phenomena caused by oxidation, humidity, and microbial activity. In order to improve the biopolymer performance, antimicrobial agents and plasticizers are also included in the formulation of the main compounds utilized for edible coating packages. Secondary natural compounds (SC) are molecules not essential for growth produced by some plants, fungi, and microorganisms. SC derived from plants and fungi have attracted much attention in the food packaging industry because of their natural antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and their effect on the biofilm’s mechanical properties. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities inhibit pathogenic microorganism growth and protect food from oxidation. Furthermore, based on the biopolymer and SC used in the formulation, their specific mass ratio, the peculiar physical interaction occurring between their functional groups, and the experimental procedure adopted for edible coating preparation, the final properties as mechanical resistance and gas barrier properties can be opportunely modulated. This review summarizes the investigations on the antimicrobial, mechanical, and barrier properties of the secondary natural compounds employed in edible biopolymer-based systems used for food packaging materials.

Bioactive cellulose acetate nanofiber loaded with annatto support skeletal muscle cell attachment and proliferation

“…Our results revealed that the addition of annatto to cellulose acetate decreased the stiffness of the obtained nanofibers. Similar results were reported in previous studies showing a reduction in polymer stiffness as a result of adding eugenol, ginger, cinnamon, guarana, and rosemary extract (Bonilla et al, 2018;Ke et al, 2019;Moeini et al, 2022). Furthermore, the nanofiber stiffnesses obtained in our work (323 MPa and 211 MPa) presented comparable values to the electrospun matrices developed for muscle tissue engineering (Cooper et al, 2010;Riccotti et al, 2012;Luo et al, 2018;Jekins and Little, 2019).…”

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Pullulan Scaffolds Loaded with Nepeta racemosa Lam. Essential Oil and Perspectives for Possible Applications

“…Currently, polymers obtained from natural sources are trying to replace synthetic polymers for their applications in the medical or agri-food fields. Based on the literature data regarding the matrix components used in this study, it can be considered a biodegradable polymer [ 76 , 77 ]. The edible films, enriched with essential oils, offer improved functionality and can be used for active packaging of perishable food products (meat, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, etc.…”

Food-grade polymers: A new vision in the controlled release of bioactive substances

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