Emerging Pickering emulsion films for bio-based food packaging applications

Bio-based films have attracted great attention in food packaging due to their biodegradable properties. However, the practical application of these films faces challenges related to their mechanical strength, antibacterial, antioxidant, and barrier properties. The incorporation of Pickering emulsions, containing multifunctional hydrophobic substances, into hydrophilic bio-based films is a newly developed strategy to enhance their physicochemical properties. This review provides an overview of the preparation and applications of Pickering emulsions-contained bio-based films. Different polysaccharides and proteins-based nanomaterials stabilized Pickering emulsions have been reviewed. Essential oils (EOs) are frequently used as oil phase in the Pickering emulsions for the intrinsic hydrophobicity and multifunction. Additionally, the effects of different Pickering emulsions on the antibacterial, antioxidant, barrier, mechanical and color properties of films have been systematically discussed. Antibacterial, antioxidant and water vapor barrier properties are improved for the natural properties of the essential oils. Finally, potential applications of the Pickering emulsions-based films in the preservation of various meats and fruits were discussed. Despite challenges, the integration of Pickering emulsions shows promise in advancing the functionality of bio-based films for sustainable food packaging.