Progress on biodegradable films for antibacterial food packaging

Abstract

The applications of common-used antibacterial agents and biodegradable polymer materials in food packaging were reviewed. The research progress on biobased antibacterial agents (such as chitosan, plant essential oils, plant extracts, bacteriocins) in food packaging films synthesized from biodegradable polymer materials (such as starch and its derivatives, chitosan, cellulose, protein) was summarized. Most of the biodegradable antibacterial films are applied in the packaging of postharvest transportation and storage of fruits and vegetables. This work provides guidance to develop new intelligent food packaging materials featured by degradability, bacteriostasis and environmental protection.