Effects of incorporation of essential oil into film for fruit packaging application

Abstract

Biodegradable composite films with antimicrobial properties consists of three biopolymers (polysaccharides, proteins, fats), additives (plasticizers, emulsifiers), and synthetic or natural antimicrobial. Biodegradable packaging embedded in food products with antimicrobial agent such as essential oils (EOs) is an innovative green technology based on a novel approach to substitute conventional and synthetic petroleum packaging. Good packaging is necessary to prevent spoilage during postharvest stage. Introducing EOs onto the fruit packaging films strongly inhibiting bacterial and fungal activities on the fruit products and gives positive effect on the storage of the products. This review focuses on the contribution of the incorporation of EOs and biodegradable films to prolonging the shelf life of fruit products in addition to reduce the risk of growth of pathogenic bacteria on the surface of fruit products. Essential oils incorporated into film provides a new strategy and improves efficiency of fruit packaging film in enhancing quality and shelf life of post-harvest fruit products.