Probiotic incorporation into edible packaging: A recent trend in food packaging

Abstract

The consumption of probiotics has been linked with many health benefits; hence, the intake of probiotics is increasing among the world population. Probiotics are referred to as beneficial microbes and the incorporation of probiotics in food products improves the immune function, cognitive response and overall well-being of consumers. Additionally, probiotics are begin suggested as an efficient and environmentally friendly replacement for chemical-based preservative compounds. This trend has gained considerable interest among the food industries and scientists to develop novel probiotic-containing food products. In this regard, edible packaging technologies are being investigated as carriers of probiotic organisms with a wide range of applications. The edible food packaging method is a promising way to develop safe food products in terms of both customer and environmentally friendly. Edible packaging technology commonly utilizes sustainable and biodegradable components which are applied as an edible coating or wrapping over the food products. Edible packaging has been used in recent years to extend the shelf life and improve the nutritional value of foods. The incorporation of probiotics into edible packaging will develop novel and functional foods, help decrease pathogenic microorganisms in food products, and provide many health benefits to humans, similar to the direct intake of probiotics. This current review aims to focus on the general view of edible packaging, probiotics as a carrier in edible films and coatings, the material used for edible packaging, and efficient delivery of probiotic organisms by microencapsulation and it discusses the particular limitations of probiotic utilization and current legislation.