Recent development of protein-based biopolymers in food packaging applications: A review

Abstract

The development of novel biopolymers with improved functioning, gaseous barrier abilities, and prolonged shelf life will be possible through the creation of innovative technologies in food packaging. The protein-based polymers have shown unique physical and chemical features for the formation of film/coatings. Additionally, these biopolymeric materials can be functionalized with various additives and fillers such as plasticizers, metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, antioxidants, and antibacterial molecules. The incorporation of these additives and fillers in films/coatings successfully prevent or delays microbial growth and lipid oxidation, assuring food safety to ensure and extending the shelf-life of foods. Advancements in the manufacturing technologies such as solvent casting, 3-D printing, melt extrusion, electrospinning, and layer-by-layer assembly can be adapted to fabricate food packaging films, addressing consumer needs for convenience and portability. This review will present the current situation with protein-based films for sustainable use in food packaging applications. In addition, the individual protein used for film formation are discussed further nanofillers and additives used with protein films are mentioned.

Keywords

• Protein-based
• Edible
• Coatings
• Films
• Food packaging
• Antioxidant