Biodegradable Sodium Alginate Films Enriched With Oils—A Review

ABSTRACT Environmental pollution from plastic polymers is a global concern that harms ecosystems and human health. Developing biodegradable sodium alginate films, derived from seaweed, emerges as a promising solution to mitigate these impacts. The sodium alginate is biodegradable, non‐toxic and has excellent film‐forming properties, making it a substitute for conventional packaging. Incorporating oils into alginate films significantly improves their functional properties, as they are rich in bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, which increase resistance to oxidation, prolonging the shelf life of packaged products. Essential oils provide specific antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits due to their bioactive volatile compounds, such as terpenes and phenols, which offer additional protection against microbial degradation. Additionally, adding oils increases flexibility, reducing the brittleness of the films and enhancing their elasticity. Oils also improve the films' barrier properties against water vapour and oxygen, preserving food quality and freshness. The presence of oils in alginate films also adds sensory and antimicrobial benefits, resulting in films with controlled release of compounds, offering a multifunctional approach to food preservation. This combination of properties enhances the functionality of the films, making them a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional plastics. This review highlights biodegradable sodium alginate films with added oils as an environmentally friendly alternative to reduce environmental pollution and improve food preservation, providing additional functional benefits. This approach represents a significant advance in the search for sustainable and effective options, aligning with the goals of sustainability, consumer appreciation and environmental protection.