Cyanobacterial Exopolysaccharide as Natural Sources for Food Packaging Applications

Abstract

Edible packaging materials (films and coatings) have received considerable attention over nonedible synthetic packaging materials as the aid in reducing environmental pollution. These edible films/coatings are promising systems to be used as carrier for active ingredients (antioxidants, antimicrobials, nutraceuticals, additives, and flavoring agents) which may help to improve the mechanical integrity, handling, and quality of food products. Furthermore, algal or cyanobacteria have promising prospects to be developed as alternative sources for delivery of ingredients that play an important role in the development of bioactive edible packaging film/coating. Nevertheless, further studies at molecular and assessment microbiological safety measures are necessary before using such type of edible film/coatings as an active packaging for preserving food products, assuring its quality as well as a prolonged shelf-life. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020.