From Plants to Plates: The Role of Biopolymers in Edible Coatings
摘要
The exploration of plant-based biopolymers as materials for edible films and coatings is in high demand owing to the rising need for sustainable and green food packaging technologies in the global scenario. The biopolymers, sourced from polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, etc., offer a sustainable, compostable substitute to traditional plastic packaging. Edible coatings not only function as protective shields for minimizing moisture loss and gas exchange, but also augment food safety by integrating bioactive substances into them, like antimicrobials and antioxidants. Thus, this chapter focuses on the versatile nature of plant-based biopolymers in prolonging shelf life and influencing the reduction of food wastage. Different challenges were also tackled, like scalability, mechanical characteristics, and regulatory adherence, which were in conjunction with progress in material science that intends to boost economic growth and functionality. Plant-based biopolymers signify a revolutionary approach to packaging by integrating sustainability with food preservation, which in turn has lined up with worldwide initiatives to mitigate ecological impact and foster a circular economy.