Controlled release of antioxidants from active food packaging: A review

Active packaging is an innovative concept emerging in the field of food packaging to meet market demands, such as consumers' preference for safe, healthy and high-quality food. The release packaging system is one type of active packaging, in which the active substances reach the food surface or the top wrapper through diffusion to inhibit the microbial growth or lipid oxidation and rancidity of foods. The release rate of some active substances over time can be regulated through some technologies so that their concentrations on the food surface can be maintained to prevent food oxidation and spoilage, thereby extending the shelf life. In this paper, the latest research on controlled-release antioxidant packaging is reviewed. The release mechanism of antioxidants in active packaging, the factors affecting the controlled-release and the packaging design considerations are introduced from the aspects of packaging material components (polymer matrix and active substances), combination of other components and preparation methods. The potential use of new technology in antioxidant packaging is also emphasized, and the challenges and opportunities for commercial application of antioxidant active packaging are further elaborated.