Seaweed Polysaccharide in Food Contact Materials (Active Packaging, Intelligent Packaging, Edible Films, and Coatings)

Abstract

Food contact materials (FCMs) are materials that come in contact with food products such as food packaging which play a significant role in the food quality and safety. Plastic, which is a major food packaging material, harms the eco-system, wildlife, and the environment. As a result, numerous researches have been in progress on alternative polymers, which has similar properties as plastic but is also environmentally friendly (biodegradable). In recent years, the utilization of seaweed polysaccharides has piqued interest due to its biodegradability, non-toxicity, antioxidant capabilities, and excellent film formation ability. However, it has a number of drawbacks such as low tensile strength, water solubility, and moderate antibacterial characteristics, among others. The addition of other biopolymers, nanoparticles, or natural active agents improves these features. In this review article, we have summarized the current state of seaweed polysaccharide research in active packaging, intelligent packaging, edible films, and coatings. It also highlights the physical, thermal, antioxidant, and other properties of these materials. Finally, the article discusses the relevant legislation as well as the field’s future prospects. Research shows that seaweeds polysaccharide looks promising as a sustainable food contact material, but there is always a potential for development to make it market feasible.

Structure, Merits, Gel Formation, Gel Preparation and Functions of Konjac Glucomannan and Its Application in Aquatic Food Preservation

“…KGM gel can also be used as an active packaging material for aquatic foods. KGM-based films have been shown to be effective at inhibiting the growth of spoilage bacteria, reducing lipid oxidation and extending the shelf life of aquatic food products [ 110 ]. Additionally, KGM can be used as a carrier for bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, in aquatic food preservation.…”

Recent Advances in Bio-Based Smart Active Packaging Materials

“…Seaweed is a fast-growing and widely sourced organism, which contains a large number of polysaccharides, proteins, minerals, vitamins and other bioactive compounds. Seaweed polysaccharides have become a research hotspot due to their film-forming, biodegradable, antioxidant and antibacterial properties [ 42 ]. Sodium alginate is a type of algal polysaccharide, which is a linear polymer consisting of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-L-gulo-glucuronic acid (G) linked together by a 1-4 glycosidic bond.…”

Fucoidan from Marine Macroalgae: Biological Actions and Applications in Regenerative Medicine, Drug Delivery Systems and Food Industry

“…Active packaging films are an innovative approach to food packaging and preservation that is gaining interest due to their optical, structural, thermal, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties [ 135 , 136 ]. According to European regulation (EC) No 450/2009, active materials and articles mean materials and articles that are intended to extend the shelf-life or to maintain or improve the condition of packaged food; they are designed to deliberately incorporate components that would release or absorb substances into or from the packaged food or the environment surrounding the food.…”

“…Edible packaging films made of edible ingredients are increasing in demand because of their safety of consumption and ease of use [ 136 ]. Edible films with natural antioxidant properties were developed by Gomaa et al [ 140 ] using alginate and fucoidan extracted from the brown macroalga Sargassum latifolium and chitosan derived from the fungus Aspergillus niger .…”