Biodegradable/edible film

Soares R.M.D., Lima A.M.F., Oliveira R.VB., Pires A.T.N., Soldi V Thermal degradation of biodegradable edible films based on xanthan and starches from different sources, Polym. Deg. Stab. 90(2005)449. 

Biodegradable films made from edible biopolymers from renewable sources could become an important factor in reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. Proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides are the main biopolymers employed to make edible films and coatings. Which of these components are present in different proportions and determine the properties of the material, as a barrier to water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and lipid transfer in food systems (Gomez-Guillen et al. 2002 and 2009). 

Krochta, J.M. and de Mulder-Johnston, C. 1997. Edible and biodegradable polymer films Challenges and opportunities. Food Technol. 51, 61-74. 

Dawson, P. L., Acton, J. C., Han, I. Y., Padgett, T., Orr, R., and Larsen, T. 1996. Incorporation of antibacterial compounds into edible and biodegradable packaging films. Activities Report of the Research and Development Associates, 48 203-210. 

Coatings and edible films are used to protect food products and improve their quality and shelf life. There has been a great interest in production of edible films and coatings from biopolymers in recent years. The most widely used edible and biodegradable films are cellulose derivatives. 

Proteins and polysaccharides produced on an annual kiloton scale in the world have attracted extensive research attention as potentially the most significant eco-materials as well as edible and biodegradable films and coatings (Thakur and Thakur 2014a, b, c). Edible films made from polysaccharides and proteins act as excellent barriers to nonpolar substances such as O2, CO2, and lipid, particularly at low relative humidities. In contrast to synthetic polymers having a simpler and more random structure, biopolymers are complex molecular assemblies with precise and... 

Krochta, J. M.and DeMulder-Johnston, C.Edible and biodegradable polymer films Challenges... 

Edible films are arrother form of biodegradable polymer. These films act as moisture and aroma barriers arrd protect the food s mechanical integrity or handling characteristics. Emphasis is also being given for development and use of protein based plastics, polysaccharides, and wood derived plastics. The higher cost of the biodegradable plastics than petrolerrm-based polymers has been the major factor for their lirrtited rrse in food industry. 

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