Edible films and coatings

Traditionally, food packaging materials from petroleum-derived polymers are expected to protect foodstuffs from deteriorating agents; however, the associated adverse concerns such as nonrenewability and nonbiodegradability of these materials have led to opt for developing greener alternatives such as polysaccharides and polypeptides. Currently, edible films and coatings are synthesized from edible biopolymers and additives of food grade and therefore could be consumed without disposing them. Film-forming biopolymers could be proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, or a mixture of these, which are environment friendly. These films can be used to encapsulate antimicrobials, antioxidants, probiotics, and flavoring compounds and hence protect food, prolong their shelf life, and improve the properties such as appearance, sensory attributes, and freshness of ingredients. In this chapter, we have comprehensively updated the recent advances on various edible films and their components, which might help in directing future research developments in this area.