Plant protein-based food packaging films; recent advances in fabrication, characterization, and applications

• Published in: Trends in food science & technology 2022-02, Vol.120, p.154-173
• Main Authors: Hadidi, Milad, Jafarzadeh, Shima, Forough, Mehrdad, Garavand, Farhad, Alizadeh, Saeid, Salehabadi, Ali, Khaneghah, Amin Mousavi, Jafari, Seid Mahdi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Additives; Biodegradability; Biodegradable materials; Biodegradable packaging; Biodegradation; Biopolymers; Fabrication; Food; Food packaging; Food packaging industry; Food plants; Food quality; Food safety; Functional properties; Green packaging; Packaging materials; Plant proteins; Plant-based foods; Plants; Polymers; Protein sources; Proteins; Sustainability
• ISSN: 0924-2244; 1879-3053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.01.013

Plant-based proteins as an alternative to synthetic polymers have attracted the interest of the global packaging industry in the last decade due to their biodegradability, sustainability, environmental, and beneficial health claims. This review covers the recent developments in biodegradable packaging such as edible films/coatings and innovative packaging materials based on plant protein sources. The importance, sources, and techno-functional properties of plant-derived proteins for food packaging are discussed. The impact of different additives on the functionality of plant protein-based biodegradable materials is also investigated. In addition, plant protein-based packaging characteristics and their application in food are also introduced. The sustainability, biodegradability, renewability, and appropriate mechanical and techno-functional properties of proteins from plant origin make them an emerging substitute to the conventional synthetic polymers currently used as food packaging. The functional performance of plant protein-based biodegradable materials can be extended or enhanced by incorporating other additives or biopolymers. Bio-packaging materials made from plant-based proteins provide great potential for enhancing food quality and safety, reducing the environmental pollution. Schematic representation of major plant sources with protein components as the origin of biopolymeric packaging materials for applications in food packaging. [Display omitted] •Plant-based protein films/coatings provide great potential for enhancing food quality.•Plant-based protein films/coatings are delivery systems for various bioactives.•Blending plant-based protein with nanoparticles improves functionality of coatings/films.•Plant-based protein packaging characteristics and their application in foods are summarized.