Edible biofilms and coatings; its characterization and advanced industrial applications

Edible films and coatings are layers of edible biopolymers (proteins, lipids and polysaccharides) that can be used as an alternate for plastic packaging materials, because plastic packaging is causing environmental pollution and it can deteriorate human health when come in contact with the food product. Along with their environment friendly nature they can carry anti-oxidants, anti-microbials, anti-browning agents, neutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, colorants, flavors and desired additives to the food product which can prolong their shelf life and increase the aesthetic properties of the food product. Edible films are generated separately by solvent casting and extrusion while edible coating is applied on the food product by spraying or dipping. The conjugation of these edible biopolymers with the nanotechnology (nanoencapsulation, nanofibers and nanoliposomes) can initiate a controlled and targeted release of the additives added in the film or coating. In this review article several novel biopolymers for edible films and coatings have been discussed along with their applications in fruits and vegetable, meat and poultry and dairy industry.