Research progress of biopolymer-based food packaging films/coatings functionalized with edible photosensitizers

Background

Packaging is essential for protecting food from environmental factors and contamination. However, the overuse and improper disposal of petroleum-based plastics have caused serious environmental pollution and health risks. To address these issues, biopolymer-based films and coatings with antimicrobial properties have attracted attention in food science, aiming to reduce waste and improve food safety by inhibiting spoilage microorganisms. Traditionally, antimicrobial agents are directly added to films. However, the use of photodynamic inactivation (PDI) provides a promising emerging approach for creating highly effective antimicrobial food packaging films.

Scope and approach

This work focuses on the progress of biopolymer-based food packaging films (BFPF) functionalized with edible photosensitizers (PSs), including curcumin, riboflavin, and chlorophyll. First, the antimicrobial mechanism of PDI and the characteristics of common edible PSs are briefly introduced, and the effects of different edible PSs on the comprehensive properties of BFPF, including mechanical properties, barrier properties, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial properties, are discussed in detail. Finally, this work also systematically summarizes the application progress of edible coatings functionalized with edible PSs in food preservation.

Key findings and conclusions

This work found that edible PSs can not only provide PDI antimicrobial activity for BFPF, but also serve as multifunctional additives, such as antioxidants and crosslinkers, to improve the comprehensive properties of composite films. In addition, food packaging films with multi-mode synergistic antimicrobial properties can be developed through the modification of edible PSs.