Application of phytocompounds-loaded nanoemulsions in the active coatings and films for food packaging

Abstract

Nowadays, extended shelf life and the low environmental footprint of food products are some of the most important challenges that face food scientists. Active food packaging designed not only to protect and promote food products but also to maintain or even improve their quality and safety, prolong shelf life and diminish food losses is an interesting approach. In this context, the active materials for food packaging applications can be formulated and developed employing phytocompound-loaded nanoemulsions. This paper aims to give an overview of recent developments in the applications of phytocompound-loaded nanoemulsions in active coatings and films for food packaging. Various phytocompounds with antioxidative, antimicrobial, and nutraceutical properties such as essential oils, plant extracts, oil-resins, monoterpenes, aromatic aldehydes, flavonoids, vitamins can be employed to impart functional properties to the nanoemulsions-based coatings and films. Biopolymers, including polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, pectin, chitosan, gums, pullulan, alginate), proteins (corn zein, wheat gluten, soy protein, casein, gelatin, whey protein), and lipids (beeswax), are recognized as green and environmentally friendly materials for the development of innovative food packaging. Phytocompound-loaded nanoemulsions with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity incorporated in the biopolymeric matrix are an interesting approach to prevent oxidation processes and microbial growth in food products. For example, higher thermal, UV-light, and storage stability were determined for β-carotene loaded within chitosan-coated nanoemulsion compared to free β-carotene. Rutin-loaded nanoemulsion incorporated within gelatin matrix triggered high free radical scavenging and reducing power ability of the films. Nanoemulsion loaded with plant oil in the pectin matrix provided an antimicrobial activity to the films against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Incorporation of nanoemulsion loaded with oregano essential oil in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films impart antibacterial and antioxidant functionality. These findings highlighted the potential of phytocompound-loaded nanoemulsions to be used as functional constituents of active food packaging materials.