Recent Trends in Edible Films and Coatings for Fresh and Minimally Processed Fruits

Abstract

In the last decade, a lot of interesting work has been done to develop novel films and coatings as food packaging materials which enhance foodquality and safety during storage. Recent research efforts have been centralized on designing edible coatings based on biodegradable polymers which would not only serve the requirements of packaging but also solve the issue of by-products of the food industry by utilizing them into film-forming components. Originally intended to minimize water loss and delay aging of coated fruits through selectively allowing gaseous interactions, coatings have evolved to meet the requirements of controlled release of integrated vitamins, nutraceuticals, antimicrobial agents and antioxidants, which is demanded by the food industry. New technologies such as layer-by-layer assembly and nanoencapsulationhave given promising results. This review investigates the materials used in formulation of coatings which are available presently and also attempts to discuss the recent advances made in that subject.