Abstract
Chitosan is one of the emerging materials for various applications. The most intensive studies have focused on its use as a biomaterial and for biomedical, cosmetic, and packaging systems. The research on biodegradable food packaging systems over conventional non-biodegradable packaging systems has gained much importance in the last decade. The deacetylation of chitin, a polysaccharide mainly obtained from crustaceans and shrimp shells, yields chitosan. The deacetylation process of chitin leads to the generation of primary amino groups. The functional activity of chitosan is generally owed to this amino group, which imparts inherent antioxidant and antimicrobial activity to the chitosan. Further, since chitosan is a naturally derived polymer, it is biodegradable and safe for human consumption. Food-focused researchers are exploiting the properties of chitosan to develop biodegradable food packaging systems. However, the properties of packaging systems using chitosan can be improved by adding different additives or blending chitosan with other polymers. In this review, we report on the different properties of chitosan that make it suitable for food packaging applications, various methods to develop chitosan-based packaging films, and finally, the applications of chitosan in developing multifunctional food packaging materials. Here we present a short overview of the chitosan-based nanocomposites, beginning with principal properties, selected preparation techniques, and finally, selected current research.
Highlights
In recent years, the field of food packaging has gained much importance
Some of the synthetic polymers employed in conchitosan with include poly, poly (ε-caprolactone), and ethylene-vinyl junction chitosan include poly, poly (ε-caprolactone), andalcohol ethyleneThese polymers are mixed with chitosan solution and homogenized before the degassing stage, and this is used for the film casting
The coating of food products involves creating a polymeric film layer directly on the surface of the food products. These polymeric layers are expected to delay the degradation of the food products, which would allow for the extension of the shelf life of the food
Summary
The field of food packaging has gained much importance. This is because consumers have become conscious about the quality of the food products they consume. The employment of packaging technologies to food products ensures delivery in fresh or good conditions to the consumers [1]. Conventionally,petroleum-based petroleum-based polymers have been explored magnanimously to Conventionally, polymers have been explored magnanimously to dedevelop food packaging systems. States Environmental Protection Agency [4] In this regard, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a biodegradable to petroleum-based been recognized a(PHAs), biodegradable alternativealternative to petroleum-based polymers, polymers, have been have recognized and used and used in food packaging. The cationic charge of chitosan and its molecular weight firmly command its antimicrobial activity This additional antimicrobial property allows researchers to develop functional films that can significantly enhance the shelf life of food products. The current review will discuss the properties of chitosan, methods for developing food packaging systems, and their applications in food product storage and safety
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