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.

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A microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) procedure to obtain phenolic compounds from carob bark was optimized by using response surface methodology. A four-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design with five central points was used to evaluate the influence of temperature, solid-liquid ratio, ethanol concentration and time in carob bark extraction in terms of antioxidant activity (DPPH) and total extraction yield. Optimal extraction conditions were found using 80 ºC, 35% (v/v) ethanol, a ratio of 35 mL/g and 29.5 min. Total phenolics content (TPC), antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS), carbohydrates content and main polyphenols composition (HPLC) were determined at optimal conditions. An experimental total yield of 66.5% was obtained with a TPC value of 33.6 mg GAE/g DW and polysaccharides content of 345.4 mg glucose/g DW. A high antioxidant activity was also shown by the three methods tested. The results showed the potential of carob pods skin as a natural source of phenolic compounds, in particular gallic acid, and the effectiveness of MAE as extraction technique for the revalorization of this agro-food waste.

New trends in beverage packaging are focusing on the structure modification of packaging materials and the development of new active and/or intelligent systems, which can interact with the product or its environment, improving the conservation of beverages, such as wine, juice or beer, customer acceptability, and food security. In this paper, the main nutritional and organoleptic degradation processes of beverages, such as oxidative degradation or changes in the aromatic profiles, which influence their color and volatile composition are summarized. Finally, the description of the current situation of beverage packaging materials and new possible, emerging strategies to overcome some of the pending issues are discussed.

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