Probiotic Edible Films and Coatings: Concerns, Applications and Future Prospects

Abstract

Edible films and coatings have received incredible consideration over years in view of their preference over synthetic films in diminishing environmental pollution. Edible films and coatings can also incorporate live microorganisms. One of the recent advancements in this field is development of probiotic edible films and coatings that serve as a potential carrier for these microorganisms by enhancing their survival. The potential utilization of edible films and coatings as stabilizing matrices for holding probiotic microorganism is to counteract the disadvantage of their direct application and to enhance the functional properties of edible coatings through the incorporation of probiotics. Probiotics incorporation into edible films and coatings allows them to reach the consumers gut in sufficient amount, so as to exert any health advantages to the host, and thus adds value to the food product. Microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast can be used as a biocontrol agent for extending the shelf life of food products; one such way is their incorporation into edible films and coatings. The scope of this review is to provide comprehensive information about the incorporation of probiotic microorganisms into edible films and coatings along with discussing various future prospects, applications and associated concerns.