Design and Practical Considerations for Active Polymeric Films in Food Packaging

Abstract

Polymeric films for active food packaging have been playing an important role in food preservation due to favorable properties including high structural flexibility and high property tunability. Over the years, different polymeric active packaging films have been developed. Many of them have found real applications in food production. This article reviews, using a practical perspective, the principles of designing polymeric active packaging films. Different factors to be considered during materials selection and film generation are delineated. Practical considerations for the use of the generated polymeric films in active food packaging are also discussed. It is hoped that this article cannot only present a snapshot of latest advances in the design and optimization of polymeric active food packaging films, but insights into film development to achieve more effective active food packaging can be attained for future research.

Development of Sustainable and Active Food Packaging Materials Composed by Chitosan, Polyvinyl Alcohol and Quercetin Functionalized Layered Clay

“…In order to maintain food quality and protect food from extraneous contamination, food packaging plays a crucial role, as it ensures the food industry provides safe edible products [ 1 ]. Packaging provides more than just basic physical protection and barrier properties [ 2 , 3 ]; however, the packaging materials commonly applied in the food industry are made from non-degradable polymers that lack active functions (such as antibacterial and antioxidant activities), leading to environmental pollution or even food spoilage [ 4 ]. With the increasingly serious environmental problems, researchers have begun to pay attention to biodegradable polymers that can extend the shelf life of food.…”

“…With the increasingly serious environmental problems, researchers have begun to pay attention to biodegradable polymers that can extend the shelf life of food. Therefore, various environmentally friendly active packaging materials have emerged and attracted widespread attention [ 3 ].…”

Development of Bilayer Polysaccharide-Based Films Combining Extrusion and Electrospinning for Active Food Packaging

“…The use of appropriate food packaging was appointed as one of the strategies to reduce food loss and waste [1,2]. Active food packaging prolongs the shelf life of food products by inhibiting damage caused by microbial, enzymatic, and oxidative attacks [3].…”

Effect of a Chitosan-Based Packaging Material on the Domestic Storage of “Ready-to-Cook” Meat Products: Evaluation of Biogenic Amines Production, Phthalates Migration, and In Vitro Antimicrobic Activity’s Impact on Aspergillus Niger

“…Recently, several packaging materials and industrial approaches have been used to produce alternative eco-friendly packaging materials [19][20][21][22], including chitosan, a polymer derived from chitin, largely present in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects, and fungi [23][24][25], which is edible, cheap, and biodegradable. Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide on Earth [26], and it can be easily purchased from shell waste in the fish industry, providing a stable renewable source [27].…”