14 - Active food packaging from chitosan incorporated with plant polyphenols

Abstract

Biobased active packaging is the main focus of current food packaging research and developments. Among various biobased materials, chitosan takes precedence due to its intrinsic antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Chitosan, a functional biopolymer, is the new generation of active food packaging performing some functions in the preservation of foods. Impressive research advancement has been made in the production of chitosan films containing natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents derived from plant polyphenols, designed to extend shelf life of food and agricultural products. Among them, promising results in enhancing functional properties and improving physical properties of chitosan films and coatings have been achieved by incorporation with green tea and cinnamon essential oil. Finally, potential applications of chitosan films and coatings incorporated with plant polyphenols for preserving qualities and prolonging shelf life of food and agricultural products are discussed. The use of plant polyphenols incorporated chitosan as active food packaging would become practicable.