| Popis: |
Biopolymer-based films and coatings have been classified as the advanced food packaging systems that provide new dimensions to food packaging. Films and coatings from nature-derived polymers meet the essential functions of packaging, containment, and protection to the food products. In addition, biodegradability and edibility are the major advantages of such films and coatings. Within the biopolymers, proteins and polysaccharides are the major components from which films and coatings have been prepared. In addition, lipids from different sources and chemical nature have been incorporated within the films and coatings to achieve added functionalities. These biopolymers possess innate ability to film-forming and deliver additional functions, including entrapping of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, to enhance the food safety and shelf life. Polysaccharides are some of the most widely used biopolymers in the edible film development because they exhibit improved mechanical and gas barrier properties. However, the hydrophilic nature of polysaccharides limits their water vapor barrier property, which remains a significant challenge. On the other hand, oils are hydrophobic compounds that provide excellent water vapor barrier characteristic and reduced moisture absorption and water solubility. Within lipids, essential oils are a broad group of molecules that have been utilized extensively in the preparation of films and coatings. Chemically, essential oils consist of terpenes, terpenoids, aliphatic, and aromatic compounds and are a rich source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. The material properties of polysaccharide-based films and coatings can be improved if proteins can be mixed in different proportions. Overall, oil-incorporated polysaccharide-based edible films are one of the promising packaging techniques in improving the material properties and delivering active agents to food without affecting the environment. |
