Active Agents Incorporated in Polymeric Substrates to Enhance Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties in Food Packaging Applications

Active packaging has played a significant role in consumers’ health and green environment over the years. Synthetic polymers, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), etc., naturally derived ones, cellulose, starch, chitosan, are extensively used materials due to their broad range of desired properties (transparence, processability, gas barrier properties, mechanical strength, etc.). In recent years, food field been challenged deliver products free from microbes that cause hazards. However, most polymers lack properties. Owing this, active agents antimicrobial antioxidants have broadly potential additives substrates, increase shelf life, quality safety products. Both synthetic agents, Ag, Cu, ZnO, TiO2, nanoclays, natural essential oils, catechin, curcumin, tannin, gallic acid, exhibit spectrum antioxidant effects, while restricting growth harmful microbes. Various bulk processing techniques developed years produce appropriate add on polymer matrices or surface. Among these techniques, extrusion molding is method for mass production with incorporated into injection molding, thermoforming, blow electrospinning, lower extent. This review intends study effects various polymeric substrates technologies involved packaging.