Essential oils and chitosan based polymeric edible films and coatings as alternative to chemical preservatives

ABSTRACT

Globally, food security and safety have become a major challenge. Researchers are searching for natural components to develop biologically active packaging materials. In this regard, a combination of essential oils (EOs) and chitosan and its derivative-based substrate has been evaluated extensively. The current review assimilates the mechanisms of biological activity of the EOs and chitosan that help develop active packaging materials. Thorough information on the development strategies for developing such active packaging materials has also been discussed herein. Lastly, the applications of the EO and chitosan and its derivative-based packaging materials have also been discussed in detail.

KEYWORDS:

• Chitosan
• essential oils
• food safety
• food security
• active food packaging

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Arfat Anis

Dr. Arfat Anis obtained his Master of Science (Industrial Chemistry) in 2004 from Aligarh Muslim University and his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur in 2009. Currently he is Assistant Professor at SABIC Polymer Research Center at King Saud University. His research interest involves development, characterization and applications of polymer composites, polymer electrolytes and biomaterials.