Polysaccharide Chitosan Research Articles

Antibacterial and Biodegradable Polysaccharide-Based Films for Food Packaging Applications: Comparative Study.

One of the major objectives of food industry is to develop low-cost biodegradable food packaging films with optimal physicochemical properties, allowing for their large-scale production and providing a variety of applications. To meet the expectations of food industry, we have fabricated a series of solution-cast films based on common biodegradable polysaccharides (starch, chitosan and alginate) to be used in food packaging applications. Selected biopolymers were modified by the addition of glycerol and oxidized sucrose (starch), glycerol (chitosan), and glycerol and calcium chloride (alginate), as well as being used to form blends (starch/chitosan and starch/alginate, respectively). A chestnut extract was used to provide antibacterial properties to the preformed materials. The results of our studies showed that each modification reduced the hydrophilic nature of the polymers, making them more suitable for food packaging applications. In addition, all films exhibited much higher barrier properties to oxygen and carbon dioxide than commercially available films, such as polylactic acid, as well as exhibiting antimicrobial properties against model Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively), as well as yeast (Candida albicans).

Bioinspired Polysaccharide-Derived Zwitterionic Brush-like Copolymer as an Injectable Biolubricant for Arthritis Treatment.

Developing highly efficient and biocompatible biolubricants for arthritis treatment is extraordinarily demanded. Herein, inspired by the efficient lubrication of synovial joints, a paradigm that combines natural polysaccharide (chitosan) with zwitterionic poly[2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl phosphorylcholine] (PMPC), to design a series of brush-like Chitosan-g-PMPC copolymers with highly efficient biological lubrication and good biocompatibility is presented. The Chitosan-g-PMPC copolymers are prepared via facile one-step graft polymerization in aqueous medium without using any toxic catalysts and organic solvents. The as-prepared Chitosan-g-PMPC copolymers exhibit very low coefficient of friction (μ < 0.01) on Ti6 Al4 V alloy substrate in both pure water and biological fluids. The superior lubrication is attributed primarily to the hydrated feature of PMPC side chains, interface adsorption of copolymer as well as to the hydrodynamic effect. In vivo experiments confirm that Chitosan-g-PMPC can alleviate the swelling symptom of arthritis and protect the bone and cartilage from destruction. Due to their facile preparation, distinctive lubrication properties, and good biocompatibility, Chitosan-g-PMPC copolymers represent a new type of biomimetic lubricants derived from natural biopolymer for promising arthritis treatment and artificial joint lubrication.

Mechanically tunable ion-crosslinked alginate-based gradient hydrogels by electrolysis-electrophoresis method

Introducing the gradient structure into ion-crosslinked polysaccharide (ICP) hydrogels is an effective strategy to expand their application scope in biomedicine and smart materials. However, fast gelation between polysaccharide and metal ion makes it difficult to construct/regulate gradient structure. Here, we developed a new method to address the issue by combining electrolysis with electrophoresis. Making use of the gradual generation of copper ions from the Cu anode and continuous migration to the cathode, a Cu2+-crosslinked sodium alginate (SA)-based hydrogel was obtained with both crosslinking density gradient and SA distribution gradient. The gradient structure can be conveniently adjusted to achieve excellent mechanical properties and delicate patterning. The electrolysis-electrophoresis method is successfully extended to versatile hydrogels by varying different metal electrodes (Fe or Zn electrodes), or different types of polysaccharides (chitosan or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose). This work opens a new insight for designing gradient ICP hydrogels and provides the potential for bionic applications.

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) on Biopolymers and Hydrogels for Biotechnological Applications-Possibilities and Limits.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is one of the microscopic techniques with the highest lateral resolution. It can usually be applied in air or even in liquids, enabling the investigation of a broader range of samples than scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which is mostly performed in vacuum. Since it works by following the sample surface based on the force between the scanning tip and the sample, interactions have to be taken into account, making the AFM of irregular samples complicated, but on the other hand it allows measurements of more physical parameters than pure topography. This is especially important for biopolymers and hydrogels used in tissue engineering and other biotechnological applications, where elastic properties, surface charges and other parameters influence mammalian cell adhesion and growth as well as many other effects. This review gives an overview of AFM modes relevant for the investigations of biopolymers and hydrogels and shows several examples of recent applications, focusing on the polysaccharides chitosan, alginate, carrageenan and different hydrogels, but depicting also a broader spectrum of materials on which different AFM measurements are reported in the literature.

Polysaccharide-based, emulsion-templated, porous poly(urethane urea)s: Composition, catalysis, cell growth

Polysaccharides are abundant natural resources that are of interest for various biomedical applications. In addition to being biocompatible and biodegradable, these polymers can undergo a wide range of application-specific chemical modifications. Here, macroporous polymer monoliths based on four different polysaccharides (alginate, pectin, dextran, and chitosan) were synthesized using a relatively simple and straightforward procedure, templating within oil-in-water high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). Interfacial step-growth polymerization between the components in the external aqueous phase (water, a polysaccharide, a surfactant) and a diisocyanate in the internal organic phase was used to synthesize a set of poly(urethane urea) polyHIPEs. The diisocyanate content, the nature of the polysaccharide, and the nature of the polymerization catalyst significantly impacted the porous structure. Cells growing in the amine-catalyzed polyHIPEs adhered to the walls, spread, and penetrated into the porous structures. This work serves as a blueprint for generating macroporous monoliths from the multitude of available polysaccharides.

Optimization of silybin production fromSilybum marianumtissue cell cultures using different elicitor solutions

Plant cell cultures of Silybum marianum L. are studied under different classes of elicitors including heavy metal ions (Ag+), polysaccharides (yeast extract and chitosan), and plant response signaling compounds (salicylic acid) in order to enhance silybin production. Remarkably, all elicitors enhanced the accumulation of silybin compared to the control experiment, but the highest total silybin content was achieved in cell suspensions elicited with yeast extract at 0.5 μg.ml−1 producing a total silybin yield at 0.15 mg.g−1 cells dry weight after 2 days of elicitation for a total cell dry weight of 1.49 g. The lowest silybin accumulation belongs to chitosan treatment producing maximum silybin content and dry weight of 0.038 mg.g−1 DW and 1.19 g, respectively. These results are promising to establish a proof of concept using yeast extract as a viable elicitor option to produce silybin in tissue culture. Practical applications Optimization of elicitor-induced cell culture production of secondary metabolites is important to develop a proof concept that can be easily scaled-up and stand as an economically viable solution to meet the increasing demand for health and food supplements. In fact, the production of secondary metabolites from tissue cultures permits space and resource optimization, protects endangered endemic plants, and contributes to food/health security and sustainable development.

Preparation and characterization of thermoplastic polyurethanes blended with chitosan and starch processed through extrusion

The basic aim of the research work is to expand the application range of biomaterials in the field of medical by increasing antibacterial and biocompatible behavior of thermoplastic polyurethanes. Blends of thermoplastic polyurethanes with chitosan and starch were prepared through extrusion process. The effect of polysaccharides (corn starch and chitosan) incorporation in thermoplastic polyurethane matrix and polymers interaction on thermal and morphological aspects was investigated. Possible interaction among chitosan and starch within TPU matrix individually and together in a blend were assessed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffractometer (XRD). The results indicated that thermoplastic polyurethanes were semi crystalline in nature whereas hydrophilicity of prepared thermoplastic polyurethanes was determined by contact angle. Biological properties endowed that TPU blended with chitosan and starch possessed antibacterial and hemolytic potential. Hence, it can be a suitable candidate for biomedical applications.

Fabrication, characterization and in vitro cell exposure study of zein-chitosan nanoparticles for co-delivery of curcumin and berberine

For the first time, we synthesized the co-delivery nanopolymers using zein protein as the core and chitosan polysaccharide as the shell to deliver curcumin (Cur) and berberine (Ber) in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. It has been shown that Cur and Ber altogether have synergistic effects on multiple cancers. Herein, the curcumin-zein-berberine-chitosan (Cur-Z-Ber-Ch) nanoparticles were fabricated and their organization procedure was reported. Physicochemical properties of synthesized nanoparticles were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, XRD and fluorescence spectroscopy analyses. The nanoparticles included relatively small particles (d = 168.24 nm) with +36.76 mV zeta potential. The resulting nanoparticles had high entrapment efficiency (about 75%) for Cur and 60% for Ber. The Cur-Z-Ber-Ch nanoparticles represented ideal redispersibility and storage stability after 4 months. Drug release of the freeze-dried nanoparticles had pH-sensitive characteristic. In vitro cytoxicity assay demonstrated that Cur-Z-Ber-Ch nanoparticles induced elevated cytotoxic effect in MDA-MB-231 and A549 cancer cells. In vitro studies in MDA-MB-231 cells demonstrated that the Cur-Z-Ber-Ch nanoparticles could successfully increase cellular uptake and apoptosis with significant inhibition of IL-8 pro-inflammatory cytokines in comparison to the free Cur + Ber bioactive molecules. These bio-nanoparticles are the co-delivery vehicle for Cur and Ber which could be beneficial for participating them into pharmaceutical products.

Concentration effects of polycationic polymers on amyloid-beta aggregation

Aggregation of the amyloid-beta (AB) peptide into beta-sheet rich clusters in the interneuronal spaces of the brain is strongly linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Regulation of this AB aggregation is a promising and actively pursued pathway in AD therapy. The polysaccharide chitosan is of particular interest in this approach to AD therapy for a few reasons -- firstly, chitosan is known to curtail the kinetics of AB aggregation in vitro. Secondly, co-aggregates with chitosan have markedly lower concentrations of AB with beta-sheet secondary structure.

Novel Artificial Biofilm Equivalent for Denture Surfaces: A Pilot Study

The microbial population of the dental biofilm is embedded in an extracellular matrix that contains organic polymers such as polysaccharides. The extracellular matrix promotes biofilm adhesion on surfaces of dental prostheses and acts as a protective barrier. Thus, a breakdown of the extracellular matrix is crucial for an effective mechanical biofilm removal by brushing. The purpose of this study was to develop an artificial biofilm equivalent (ABE) that is able to mimic the mechanical properties of a natural biofilm concerning abrasion resistance. It contains the two polysaccharides chitosan (ChS) and methylcellulose (MC). Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cylinders ( n = 80 ) were manufactured and coated with the ABE with varying concentration ratios of ChS and MC. Eight test series ( n = 8 each) with different mixing ratios of ChS/MC were tested for their abrasion resistance to brushing in a toothbrush simulator. For the ABE, a total of 2.0 g of polysaccharides were added to 100 ml of 2% acetic acid: 0.3–1.0 g ChS and 1.0–1.7 MC, respectively. Furthermore, two control series ( n = 8 each) with 2.0 g of ChS only or 2.0 g of MC only were performed. Coated specimens were subjected to an increasing number of brushing strokes from 5 to 45 via abrasion test. The specimens were photographed, and a computerized planimetric method (CPM) was used to calculate the percentage of remaining ABE on the brushed areas of the PMMA cylinders. The abrasion resistance of the ABE to brushing decreased with an increasing ratio of MC in the mixture. The abrasion resistance of the ABE can be adjusted by changing the ratio of ChS and MC.

Facile method for preparation of oligo-carboxymethyl cellulose and other oligosaccharides: Physicochemical properties and bioactivity

Widely available enzymes, α-amylase from Aspergillus oryzae and pectinase from Aspergillus aculeatus, have been examined for their ability to perform nonspecific hydrolysis of polysaccharides chitosan, pectin, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and methyl cellulose (MC) to form the corresponding oligosaccharides. The good yields of oligo-CMC (50–60%), oligo-pectin (40–60%) and oligo-alginate (25–54%) have been achieved. The hydrolysis of chitosan yielded 26-10% oligosaccharides, while HPMC and MC did not undergo significant hydrolysis process, pointing out the importance of polar groups, preferably carboxyl, for this reaction. Among the received oligomers, oligo-CMC is the least explored. Therefore, its bioactivity was examined, demonstrating a notable elicitation potential increasing the content of phenolic compounds and glucosinolates in broccoli sprouts. Furthermore, oligo-CMC was combined with H2O2 and found to diminish drawbacks and enhance advantages of this elicitor.As oligosaccharides find numerous applications in food, health, beauty and agriculture fields, sustainable and cost-effective method for their mass production is of importance. Moreover, the eliciting potential of oligo-CMC may allow its use in “super treatment” formulations that prevent damages, accelerate growth and increase content of beneficial nutrients in plants.

A comparison study between bioflocculants and PAM for dewatering of ultrafine phyllosilicate clay minerals

Several environmental problems have been reported when synthetic organic and inorganic flocculants are used to treat fluid fine tailings (FFT), especially phyllosilicate clay minerals, generated in the mining plants. These hazardous issues have increased the importance of using natural flocculants from renewable sources (biopolymers). This investigation has explored the impact of proteins (protamine and lysozyme) and polysaccharides (chitosan, pectin, lignin, and alginic acid) as natural flocculants and compared their results in the same conditions by using Polyacrylamide (PAM) as a traditional organic polymer. Ultrafine kaolinite and serpentine particles (−10 μm) were chosen as the challenging gangue minerals for chalcopyrite copper ore (CuFeS2) and pentlandite nickel ore ((Fe, Ni)9S8)), respectively. Capillary suction timer (CST) and filtration tests were considered for comparative assessments. Assessments indicated that PAM in shear rate ~ 20 (1/s) has a viscosity ~90 times higher than the examined biopolymers. This high viscosity limited PAM distribution as a flocculant through the suspensions. Results highlighted that PAM had the highest flocculation activity in low dosages (0.05 and 0.1 wt%) while in dosages above 0.25 wt%, cationic biopolymers; protamine, and lysozyme for kaolinite and anionic pectin for serpentine showed a higher performance than the other polymers. The addition of Ca2+ could increase the dewatering of the clay minerals and promote the flocculation strength of the biopolymers. Generally, results indicated that the flocculation function of protamine and lysozyme (cationic proteins) at the optimum dosage (0.5 wt%) was higher than other tested biopolymers, while pectin (an anionic polysaccharide) improved the dewatering of serpentine particles. Outcomes of this study proved that commercially available bioflocculants have a significant potential to use in the treatment of FFTs and decrease environmental problems that occur by using inorganic and organic flocculants.

Tailoring the Structure of Chitosan-Based Porous Carbon Nanofiber Architectures toward Efficient Capacitive Charge Storage and Capacitive Deionization.

Carbon nanoarchitectures derived from biobased building blocks are potential sustainable alternatives to electrode materials generated with petroleum-derived resources. We aim at developing a fundamental understanding on the connection between the structure and electrochemical performance of porous carbon nanofiber (PCNF) architectures from the polysaccharide chitosan as a biobased building block. We fabricated a range of PCNF architectures from the chitosan carbon precursor and tailored their structure by varying the amount and molecular weight of the sacrificial pore-forming polymer poly(ethylene oxide). The morphology (high-resolution scanning electron microscopy), carbon structure (X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy), pore network (N2 gas adsorption, small-angle X-ray scattering), and surface/bulk composition (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) were studied in detail together with a comprehensive electrochemical analysis on the fabricated electrodes. In supercapacitor devices, the best-performing freestanding electrode had (1) a high accessible surface area (as,BET ≈ 700 m2 g-1) and hierarchical pore network (micro- and mesopores) providing a fast ion diffusion process, high specific capacitance, and rate capability, (2) surface chemistry allowing a high Coulombic efficiency by avoiding parasitic Faradaic side reactions, and (3) a unique turbostratic carbon nanostructure leading to low charge transfer resistance while keeping good electrical conductivity. This electrode exhibited good stability over 2000 cycles (at 2 A g-1) with high capacitance retention (>80%) and charge efficiency (>90%). In the capacitive deionization (CDI) device, our electrode demonstrated an ultrahigh salt adsorption capacity of 23.6 mg g-1, which is among the state-of-the-art values reported for a biobased carbon. A high charge efficiency (85%) was achieved during the CDI process using low-cost materials, in contrast to similarly performing devices fabricated with expensive ion exchange membranes or petroleum-based carbon precursors. Our results demonstrate that inexpensive chitosan-based materials can be readily transformed in one carbonization step without any aggressive activating chemicals into tailor-made hierarchically ordered state-of-the-art carbon materials for charge storage devices.

Влияние озона на структуру биоразлагаемых матриц на основе смесей поли(3-гидроксибутирата), полилактида и хитозана

Changes in fibrous and film materials based on mixtures of biodegradable polyesters polyhydroxybutyrate, polylactide, and chitosan polysaccharide during ozonolysis were studied by the structural-dynamic EPR method using a stable nitroxyl radical—the TEMPO probe. Fibers and films were obtained from solutions in chloroform, respectively, by electrospinning and casting onto glass. It is shown that the lower packing density in the amorphous regions of mixed samples determines the increased rate of their oxidation by ozone compared to homopolymers. A two-stage kinetic mechanism of ozonolysis has been demonstrated, including the formation of side groups and subsequent degradation of the polymer chain. It has been found that the activation energy of probe rotation depends on the amount of polymer in the mixture, while the activation barrier is minimal for polyester mixtures in the same concentration range where the ozonolysis constants are maximum. It has been shown that the presence of chitosan in ternary compositions leads to an increase in the degree and rate of ozonolysis.

Study of Hydrophilic Properties of Polysaccharides

In this research, the structural characteristics, specific surface area, sorption of water vapor, and wetting enthalpy of various polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicelluloses, starch, pectin, chitin, and chitosan) have been studied. It was confirmed that crystallites are inaccessible for water, and therefore water molecules can interact only with polar groups in noncrystalline (amorphous) domains of biopolymers. The isotherms of water vapor sorption for various polysaccharides had sigmoid shapes, which can be explained by the absorption of water molecules in heterogeneous amorphous domains having clusters with different packing densities. The method of contributions of polar groups to sorption of water molecules was used, which allowed to derivate a simple calculating equation to describe the shape of sorption isotherms. The wetting of biopolymers with water was accompanied by a high exothermic thermal effect, in direct proportion to the amorphicity degree. The sorption values and wetting enthalpies of amorphous domains of biopolymers were calculated, which allowed to find the hydrophilicity index and compare the hydrophilicity of the various polysaccharides.

Preparation and application of thidiazuron nanoparticles via electrostatic self-assembly as defoliant in cotton

Nanopesticides can offer some benefits including better spreadability, leaf retention, a reduction usage of active ingredients and environmental pollution. Up to now, the green fabrication of nanopesticide is still a challenge work. In this study, the environmentally friendly thidiazuron-loaded nanoparticles (TDZ NPs) were fabricated through the electrostatic self-assembly by using two ionic polysaccharides chitosan and sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SCD). Firstly, thidiazuron (TDZ) was encapsulated by SCD to form the anionic building block, which can form TDZ NPs with the cationic polysaccharide chitosan through the electrostatic self-assembly. The resulting TDZ NPs were in the average size of 137 ± 28 nm, have low polydispersity index (< 0.1). Meanwhile, the TDZ NPs contain positive charge on the particle surface, which can promote the interaction with the leaf surface to improve the spreadability and retention. Moreover, the TDZ NPs can maintain stable for at least four weeks. In terms of biological testing, the defoliation rate of TDZ NPs reached 65.5 ± 5.3%, while the defoliation rate of thidiazuron wettable powder (TDZ WP) was only 44.9 ± 2.5%. Compared with the TDZ WP treatment, the photosynthesis of the leaf was more severely damaged and the release rate of ethylene was increased more by the TDZ NPs treatment. In addition, the expression of GhACS2, GhACO3 and GhERF113 were all up-regulated. The results indicated that TDZ NPs showed better bioactive effects than TDZ WP. And the TDZ NPs prepared by this method is of great significance in improving the quality of cotton in mechanized production, reducing environmental pollution and reducing labor input.

Natural Polymers-Based Materials: A Contribution to a Greener Future.

Natural polymers have emerged as promising candidates for the sustainable development of materials in areas ranging from food packaging and biomedicine to energy storage and electronics. In tandem, there is a growing interest in the design of advanced materials devised from naturally abundant and renewable feedstocks, in alignment with the principles of Green Chemistry and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This review aims to highlight some examples of the research efforts conducted at the Research Team BioPol4fun, Innovation in BioPolymer-based Functional Materials and Bioactive Compounds, from the Portuguese Associate Laboratory CICECO–Aveiro Institute of Materials at the University of Aveiro, regarding the exploitation of natural polymers (and derivatives thereof) for the development of distinct sustainable biobased materials. In particular, focus will be given to the use of polysaccharides (cellulose, chitosan, pullulan, hyaluronic acid, fucoidan, alginate, and agar) and proteins (lysozyme and gelatin) for the assembly of composites, coatings, films, membranes, patches, nanosystems, and microneedles using environmentally friendly strategies, and to address their main domains of application.

Bio-Scaffolds as Cell or Exosome Carriers for Nerve Injury Repair.

Central and peripheral nerve injuries can lead to permanent paralysis and organ dysfunction. In recent years, many cell and exosome implantation techniques have been developed in an attempt to restore function after nerve injury with promising but generally unsatisfactory clinical results. Clinical outcome may be enhanced by bio-scaffolds specifically fabricated to provide the appropriate three-dimensional (3D) conduit, growth-permissive substrate, and trophic factor support required for cell survival and regeneration. In rodents, these scaffolds have been shown to promote axonal regrowth and restore limb motor function following experimental spinal cord or sciatic nerve injury. Combining the appropriate cell/exosome and scaffold type may thus achieve tissue repair and regeneration with safety and efficacy sufficient for routine clinical application. In this review, we describe the efficacies of bio-scaffolds composed of various natural polysaccharides (alginate, chitin, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid), protein polymers (gelatin, collagen, silk fibroin, fibrin, and keratin), and self-assembling peptides for repair of nerve injury. In addition, we review the capacities of these constructs for supporting in vitro cell-adhesion, mechano-transduction, proliferation, and differentiation as well as the in vivo properties critical for a successful clinical outcome, including controlled degradation and re-absorption. Finally, we describe recent advances in 3D bio-printing for nerve regeneration.

Rational programming of polysaccharide-based double network hydrogel with heterogeneous architecture and multifunction via electrical signal/temperature triggered sequential self-assembly

Rational programming of double network hydrogel (DN gel) structure is an effective strategy to acquire satisfied mechanical properties and innovative functions. Herein, we report a novel electrochemically strategy for rational design of a DN gel from the blends of two stimuli-responsive self-assembling polysaccharides chitosan (CS, pH-responsive) and agarose (Agar, thermally responsive) by using externally applied electrical signal/temperature stimulations to cue sequential self-assemblies. Specifically, considering of the remarkable difference in the filed-induced chains' migration behavior at liquid/solid systems, chitosan's electrophoretic deposition (EDP) processes were performed comparably at different temperatures and two types of DN gels were fabricated with dramatically different growing kinetics, tailored crystalline structures and enhanced mechanical properties. Moreover, the bioinspired multilayer structure could be facially imparted in the DN gels by using an oscillating electrical signal, and their great potential applications such as the pH/ethanol-sensitive device or versatile platform for staged drug delivery have been revealed respectively. Eventually, we demonstrated that the electrical signal is highly advantageous in preparing DN gels that able to: (i) provide complex pH cues to guide polymer chains self-assembled with specific patterning structures; (ii) quantitative analysis of the gelation process via transfer charges; (iii) offer great possibilities for hydrogel construction via electric filed-induced chain migration. Therefore, we believe this electro-biochemically synthesizing approach could spur new insight into the multifunctional hydrogel materials constructions and biomedical related applications.

Edible Films on Meat and Meat Products

In 2018, the worldwide consumption of meat was 346.14 million tonnes, and this is expected to increase in the future. As meat consumption increases, the use of packaging materials is expected to increase along with it. Petrochemical packaging materials which are widely used in the meat processing industry, take a long time to regenerate and biodegrade, thus they adversely affect the environment. Therefore, the necessity for the development of eco-friendly packaging materials for meat processing, which are easily degradable and recyclable, came to the fore. The objective of this review is to describe the application of natural compound-derived edible films with their antioxidant and antibacterial activities in meat and meat products. For several decades, polysaccharides (cellulose, starch, pectin, gum, alginate, carrageenan and chitosan), proteins (milk, collagen and isolated soy protein) and lipids (essential oil, waxes, emulsifiers, plasticizers and resins) were studied as basic materials for edible films to reduce plastic packaging. There are still high consumer demands for eco-friendly alternatives to petrochemical-based plastic packaging, and edible films can be used in a variety of ways in meat processing. More efforts to enhance the physiological and functional properties of edible films are needed for commercial application to meat and meat products.