A Review on Potential Use of Gelatin-based Film as Active and Smart Biodegradable Films for Food Packaging Application

ABSTRACT

This review discusses the potential use of gelatin-based film as active and smart edible films in creating new innovative food packaging technologies as a substitution towards utilization of synthetic packaging. Nowadays, gelatin-based film has emerged as one of the most extensively studied in food packaging sector as it exhibits good mechanical and barrier properties while being environmentally friendly, biodegradable and having low production cost. The production of gelatin biodegradable film has the potential to help industry in reducing water usage, solid wastage, electricity and emissions. In addition, gelatin-based film also possessed good matrix and compatibility which enable for it to act as a medium for incorporation with antimicrobial and antioxidant agents into the film to carry out their specific functions for enhancing safety, stability, functionality and shelf-life of food products. This paper detailed out information on active and smart-edible films derived from gelatin with expectation to raise and promote awareness regarding food safety and healthy lifestyle towards the consumer while maintaining the quality and prolonged the shelf life of food product.

KEYWORDS:

• Gelatin
• biodegradable film
• active packaging
• smart packaging
• gelatin-based film

Author contributions

All authors contributed to the final manuscript. Said, N. S. collected the literature sources and wrote the manuscript. Nazlin K. Howell and Sarbon, N. M. conceptualized the idea and performed critical reviews on manuscript.