Application of Edible Film with Asian Plant Extracts as an Innovative Food Packaging: A Review

Abstract

Asian plants (AP) have long been used as natural food preservatives in the food industry. Asian plant extracts (APE) and essential oils (EOs) with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were incorporated into edible film (EF) for the inhibition of microbial growth in the food matrix. However, information on the utilization of these antibacterial EFs on the storage application of different local food products has not been thoroughly reviewed. Hence, this review gives an overview of the physicochemical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of EF incorporated with AP and their storage application for the preservation of food products. For their applicability as food packaging, the potency of these EFs to be used as food packaging in preventing food spoilage or foodborne pathogens was also thoroughly reviewed. The addition of APE and EOs into the packaging matrix demonstrated the potential to prolong the storage of food products by preserving food quality (pH, colors, and lipid oxidation) and safety during storage, and the inhibition zones of some extracts against the pathogens demonstrated are weaker in comparison to the standard antibiotic drug used (WHO standards). In conclusion, the freshness of food products could be retained and lengthened by using EF with APE and Eos as active edible food packaging. However, additional research is required to significantly improve its antibacterial activity, producibility, and technical feasibility for long-term market use.

Edible Packaging: A Technological Update for the Sustainable Future of the Food Industry

“…Their addition can improve the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of edible films. Kong et al [103] incorporated various Asian-based plant extracts and essential oils into an edible film, improving its mechanical and physiochemical properties and contributing to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the edible film.…”

Edible Food Packaging- An Overview

“…Its addition can improve the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of edible films. Kong et al (2023) [100] incorporated various Asian plant extracts and essential oil in edible film, which improved the physiochemical and mechanical prop-erties of edible films. And also, it contributed antimicrobial and antioxidant activity to the edible film.…”

Designing Bio-Based Color Sensor from Myofibrillar-Protein-Based Edible Film Incorporated with Sappan Wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) Extract for Smart Food Packaging

“…The SWE may be responsible for this phenomenon by acting as a plasticizer in the matrix of the film, resulting in a decrease in the TS of the film. By reducing the intermolecular connections between nearby molecules in the polymer network, increases in the flexibility and chain mobility of the film can be achieved, but the mechanical strength is weakened as a result [44].…”