Design and Application of Antibacterial Bioactive Films for Food Preservation: A Review

With the increasing demand for safer and healthier foods, there is an urgent need for more effective food packaging solutions in the food supply chain. Antimicrobial bioactive films have emerged as a promising approach to mitigate microbial contamination risks for foods during storage and transportation. This review systematically analyzes the latest research advances in antimicrobial bioactive films for food preservation. A critical examination is presented for the properties and design of diverse substrate materials and bioactive ingredients, coupled with an elucidation of three antibacterial mechanisms at the molecular level. The applications encompass a wide range of food products, including meat, fruits, vegetables, and precooked meals, to extend shelf life and quality. Especially, a prospective outlook is provided on the design of antibacterial bioactive films to improve their performance. This perspective offers valuable guidance for developing bioactive food packaging that combines environmental sustainability with enhanced food preservation capabilities.