Chitosan for food packaging: Recent advances in active and intelligent films

The massive and uncontrolled use of food packaging derived from petroleum-based plastics has created a serious environmental problem. Hence, the industry needs to develop biodegradable polymers. Among many raw materials studied in literature, chitosan is one most abundant polysaccharides nature. Chitosan attracted attention due its non-toxicity, antimicrobial, antifungal properties. Because this, considered perfect material for development films use. In this review, recent studies on active and/or intelligent chitosan-based been evaluated. Active maintains or improves condition packaged extends shelf-life meanwhile monitors environment surrounding food. effect addition compounds mechanical, barrier functional properties assessed. antimicrobial antioxidant activity, as well potential application these composite have also revised. Literature shows that presence phenolic both mechanical films. capacity improved significantly by essential oils, compounds, other fruit extracts. Intelligent pH-indicator extensively studied. Further research combinations with needed study which type foodstuffs could be contact packaging.