Potential bio-based edible films, foams, and hydrogels for food packaging

Abstract

To improve the usage of sustainable materials and to reduce environmental pollution, bio-based materials are being encouraged for use in food packaging. This review introduces the recent developments in various potential bio-based materials that are being used for the preparation of edible films, foams, and hydrogels in food packaging applications. It also summarizes hydrocolloids studied to develop biodegradable packaging films and improvement on their functional properties like water vapor permeability and superior gas barrier functions. Recently, researchers are interested in the modification of hydrocolloids by novel techniques to improve their functional properties in order to replace the synthetic polymers. The biodegradable foams have been replaced by EPS (expanded polystyrene) using various cheap biopolymers like cassava, cellulose fibers, and sunflower proteins. The recent development in the formulation of hydrogels using bio-based materials has also been discussed. Application of these recent techniques to create edible films, foams, and hydrogels helps in the development of potential novel biodegradable food packaging applications. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2018.