Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 4 (2021) 100160

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/journals/
current-research-in-green-and-sustainable-chemistry/2666-0865

Establishing the multi-criteria roadmap and metrics for the evaluation of

active films for food packaging
Ana Arias *, Gumersindo Feijoo, Maria Teresa Moreira
CRETUS, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Food industry is one of the sectors with the highest production volume, with disposable plastic films being the
Food-packaging most widespread packaging method. The production of these packaging materials is characterized by a linear
Active food-packaging process, based on an abusive consumption of non-renewable fossil resources and with significant environmental
Antimicrobial
problems. This management model must be modified according to the principles of green and sustainable
Multi-decision criteria
Biodegradable films
chemistry: circularity, reduction of waste streams, appropriate use of resources, increase in the useful life of
Natural food preservation products and use of renewable natural resources. To achieve this, the early stages of product design, which must
consider the applicability of the packaging product, its efficiency and its impact on the environment and on the
consumer, are crucial. Within this framework, this report provides a roadmap based on holistic criteria together
with quantitative metrics to analyze the opportunities and challenges of bioactive food packaging prototypes. Five
main categories have been selected for analysis: packaging evaluation, environmental, circularity, economic and
social criteria. The multi-decision criteria map will help researchers and stakeholders to examine the suitability of
bio-based packaging from environmental, technical and consumer health preservation perspectives.

1. Introduction freezing, thermal processing, refrigeration and vacuum packaging, to the

The commercialization of food products has gone hand in hand with
the massive use of plastic packaging/films characterized as single-use or
disposable, which generates a huge volume of plastic waste. In absolute
terms, out of a total of 500 billion plastic bags and packaging, only 3% are
recycled [1]. This leads to an environmental problem, not only because of
the fossil resources needed to produce plastic-based films, but also
because the final management mostly relies on landfill and incineration,
leading to air pollution and impacts on human health [1,2]. At present,
the development of biodegradable film packaging has become a neces-
sity. Mainly produced via extrusion process [3–6], the end product is a
structured film that allows the controlled dosing of antimicrobial agents
included in the polymeric matrix [4]. The most widespread biodegrad-
able packaging are polylactic acid (PLA) [7–10], starch [11–15] and
cellulose fibers [2,16,17].
Other aspects to be taken into account in food management, handling
and packaging is food safety. It is estimated that approximately 30% of
people living in industrialized countries suffer food poisoning each year
associated with the consumption of spoiled products. In the search for
healthier processing alternatives with lower chemical additive content, a
variety of options have been considered; from physical processes such as
dosing of natural-based antimicrobial agents that preserve the quality of
the final product [18].
The latter, besides being better accepted by consumers, are not sub-
ject to regulations as restrictive as those of synthetic-chemical base [19]
and increase the functionality of packaging systems by adding new
properties (antioxidant, antimicrobial and organoleptic) [17]. In fact, the
use of antimicrobial packaging films has been reported to be a suitable
method for active control of fungal and bacterial growth [8]. The in-
clusion of microbial preservative agents in food packaging can be
developed around the following several approaches: by incorporating
them directly on the polymeric matrix [20] or by introducing them in the
form of polymeric resins with encapsulated nanoparticles [21–25]. When
developing renewable antimicrobial food packaging films, commonly
referred to as “active packaging [26–28] or “functional packaging” [12,
29], it should be considered that such films should ensure the following
properties: biodegradability, good mechanical and barrier characteris-
tics, antibacterial, availability, economic and technical feasibility, among
others [15,16,30–34].
This review analyzes the current trends and most recent de-
velopments for a time profile of scientific publications from 2018 to May
2021 (Table 1SM) on active packaging in order to provide information in

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: anaarias.calvo@usc.es (A. Arias).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crgsc.2021.100160
Received 20 June 2021; Received in revised form 30 July 2021; Accepted 9 August 2021
Available online 10 August 2021
2666-0865/© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-
nc-nd/4.0/).
A. Arias et al.
the identification of systems under development, as well as environ-
mental indicators that can highlight the merit of different alternatives.
Those scientific publications include experimental, laboratory-scale in-
vestigations on the development of such packaging materials considering
different formulation techniques. Therefore, being small-scale laboratory
studies, most of them do not include studies on resource efficiency or on
the applicability of green chemistry and sustainability principles. In this
way, the development of a multi-criteria decision map, the main objec-
tive of this manuscript, considering the principles of sustainability and
green economy, as well as other important concepts when developing a
new packaging film prototype (i.e. packaging efficiency, quality, ease of
use, health protection, consumer acceptance, environmental impacts),
can be considered as a very useful tool to assess, from the early design
stages of active packaging films, their suitability and degree of
sustainability.
In order to manage all the information available in the literature,
Mendeley Desktop® and VosViewer® have been the main software tools
used. Once all the literature reports have been evaluated, the roadmap
based on environmental, economic and social criteria is presented for the
identification of the best procedures and alternatives in the development
of active packaging for stakeholders and researchers.
2. Materials and methods
The procedure followed to carry out this review is developed in three
main steps: a first literature review, using Scopus as the main database, in
which the articles have been classified according to the type of article
Fig. 1. Keywords occurrences.
2
Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 4 (2021) 100160
(Reviews vs. Experimental Studies). In this screening phase, a final
portfolio of 98 papers was compiled. A second step considers the classi-
fication of the previously selected experimental studies according to the
following categories: film packaging material, antimicrobial/antioxidant
agent used, strains selected for film evaluation and field of application.
Therefore, in the last step, the selection of criteria was presented, clas-
sified into five major categories: packaging evaluation criteria, environ-
mental criteria, circularity criteria, economic criteria and social criteria.
In a first attempt to establish an appropriate criteria to develop a
suitable prototype for bio-based food packaging, the analysis of available
experimental studies will show the main trends and perspectives in
research in this area of knowledge. For this purpose, the VosViewer
software has been used, which allows, through an analysis of the key-
words selected by the authors, the identification of the main parameters
considered crucial in the development of bio-based food packaging
prototypes. While it should be noted that these research articles focus on
the laboratory level, where the performance, quality and effectiveness of
the films are prioritized, other parameters emerge as being of particular
interest: technical and economic feasibility of the large-scale production
process, environmental concerns and social acceptance.
3. Results
3.1. Bibliographic data analysis
The first analysis of the bibliographic data resulted in 323 keywords
(Fig. 1, a), related to each other by the concurrence. Handling such a
A. Arias et al.
large number of keywords is impractical and unhelpful. It is therefore
necessary to review the keywords in greater detail to identify those that
are significant and representative of the different approaches. Therefore,
a standardization of the keywords was carried out, classifying them in
analogous terms, thus reducing the map file (Fig. 1, b), until a final
concurrence value of 28 was obtained (Fig. 1, c).
Regarding the renewable raw materials selected for the production of
the films, the use of PLA, chitosan and starch is recurrent. On the other
hand, the use of antimicrobial agents as a method of food preservation is
also a key point in the development of new bio-based packaging pro-
totypes, with nisin and essential oils standing out. In addition, with
respect to the mode of addition of preservatives, the use of nanocarriers
and encapsulation techniques seem to be the most developed by
researchers.
3.2. Metrics evaluation
The five main criteria selected for the evaluation of the suitability of
the bio-based packaging prototypes are discussed in the following
sections.
3.2.1. Criteria selected to evaluate the preliminary packaging prototype
New bio-based packaging prototypes must meet a series of charac-
teristics to be suitable and effective, both from the point of view of
providing safe food for consumption and in their design parameters,
Fig. 2. Detailed methodological procedure for evaluating the suitability of the packaging prototype design according with selected criteria.
3
Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 4 (2021) 100160
which not only have to comply with market requirements, but also in this
preliminary phase the circularity criteria must be taken into account, i.e.,
designing the product to facilitate its subsequent reuse, its degradability
and its management as waste. In this regard, a total of 6 requisites have
been selected for this preliminary assessment (Fig. 2). If the outcomes
lead to promising results, the evaluation of the subsequent criteria could
be performed. If this is not the case, a redesign and improvement of the
proposed prototype will be required.
3.2.2. Criteria selected for environmental assessment
Within the manufacture of plastic-based packaging, the main impacts
are focused on the consumption of non-renewable resources and the
emissions resulting from their extraction and the production process it-
self. Given its low decomposition capacity, its presence in the environ-
ment causes the release of toxic substances into the soil, its incineration
causes environmental pollution and also affects human health due to the
emission of carcinogenic toxic substances, among others.
Therefore, the environmental assessment of the different alternatives
of bio-based packaging prototypes must evaluate the environmental
criteria throughout their life cycle. Thus, in this evaluation stage, it is
proposed to perform a Life Cycle assessment to evaluate the following
impact categories: Climate Change, Fossil Resource Scarcity, Strato-
spheric Ozone Depletion (evaluated using ReciPe Midpoint Methodol-
ogy), Ecotoxicity and Human Health (USEtox Methodology), as the main
related ones.
A. Arias et al. Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 4 (2021) 100160

3.2.3. Criteria selected for circularity assessment Table 1

In relation to circular economy criteria, it has been considered that Evaluation of a bio-active food packaging prototype using the multi-decision
resource recovery, reusability and recyclability rate, waste flow, use of criteria map.
renewable resources, are the key points to define relevant criteria. Assessment of Packaging Evaluation Criteria
Importantly, researchers and developers should consider, in the early Food preservation Yes
design phase, the development of products that lead to efficient, easily Extend food shelf-life Yes
reusable and, if possible, multi-purpose designs. Ensure food safety Yes
Reduce wastes and Yes, due to its biodegradability potential and due to the
losses use of waste resources for its fabrication
3.2.4. Criteria selected for economic assessment
Meets market criteria Yes
New product prototypes should be developed considering an Inclu- Preservation agents Active packaging: Nisin Z, cellulose nanocrystals, maleic
sive Green Economy (IGE). This concept encompasses the terms of anhydride.
human well-being, social equity, environmental risk reduction and Assessment of Environmental Criteria
ecological scarcity. Green economies are the appropriate vehicle to
Packaging material Renewable and waste valorization resources
achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda and sustainability, seeking a new
Biodegradability Yes
concept of economic development through the use of smart policies that capacity
simultaneously improve environmental quality and human development, Environmental impacts Reduced, due to the use of renewable resources and due to
focusing on new processes with low ecological footprints. the valorization of waste streams
In order to determine whether the bio-based packaging prototype is Assessment of Circularity Criteria
viable in economic terms, it is necessary to perform an evaluation of
Degradability capacity Yes
financial metrics, considering the Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Recyclability capacity Yes
Rate of Return (IRR) parameters. If the proposed prototype achieves Resource valorization Yes: cellulose pulp from Pinnus spp.
adequate values of these parameters, then a Life Cycle Cost (LCC) Use of waste streams Yes: cellulose pulp from Pinnus spp.
Reuse rate Not evaluated
assessment could be developed by extending the scope of the assessment
to all life cycle stages. Assessment of Economic Criteria

Financial metrics Recovery of waste from renewable resources reduces the

3.2.5. Criteria selected for social assessment evaluation cost of raw materials compared to traditional plastic
Consumers' environmental concerns are increasing, and the concept packaging.
Production process Beyond the NPV and IRR values, the economic viability of
of green purchasing and sustainable consumption are incorporated into
economy the process must be assured.
product selection criteria. Green consumption is based on the purchase of Life Cycle Cost Should be adequate due to the previous statements
products with a reduced negative impact on the environment. Moreover, Waste management Reduced, due to the biodegradability and low toxicity of
authorities should pay attention to how to disseminate information in an costs the packaging materials
appropriate, understandable and accessible way to consumers, based on Assessment of Social Criteria
clear and concise labeling, informing about the key aspects that have
Consumer acceptance Yes, as a biodegradable, environmentally friendly and
been taken into account in the development of the product, from the functional food-packaging film is developed
point of view of sustainability, circularity and environmental and health Packaging design Mechanical properties evaluation showed good packaging
protection. quality quality
Brand communication Not evaluated

3.3. Multi-criteria decision map according to the selected criteria FINAL CONSIDERATION: SUITABLE PACKAGING PROTOTYPE

Fig. 2 is intended to represent the decision tree that includes envi-

5. Conclusion
ronmental, circularity, economic and social indicators for the evaluation
of the profile associated with bio-based plastics. It is necessary to take
This article aimed to suggest the framework of multi-decision criteria
into account that within each category several requirements of recom-
for assessing the suitability of a bio-based food packaging prototype
mended compliance have been considered. If the target product fails to
taking into account environmental, circular, economic and social con-
fulfill requirements, it would be necessary to rethink the prototype and
cerns. On this basis, a preliminary literature review was conducted in
propose modifications to improve the profile.
order to identify the main trends and perspectives with respect to bio-
based food packaging. By analyzing the main keywords selected from
4. Evaluation of the multi-criteria decision map for a bioactive
the research, five main criteria have been considered for the develop-
functional packaging
ment of the multi-decision criteria diagram: packaging evaluation
criteria, environmental criteria, circularity criteria, economic criteria and
The multi-criteria roadmap has been applied to evaluate the sus-
social criteria. All the parameters encompassing each of the above
tainability indicators and metrics of an active food packaging film using
criteria aim to provide an effective methodology for the assessment of the
corn starch, PVA and glycerol in the packaging formulation and nisin Z,
suitability of bio-based packaging products, being Life Cycle methodol-
maleic anhydride and cellulose nanocrystals as bioactive agents [11].
ogies, the ones that are mandatory to be performed for a proper and
This report highlights the use of renewable resources and waste (corn
comprehensive evaluation of the packaging prototype under assessment.
starch and cellulose pulp, respectively), the biodegradability of the
This article aimed to suggest the framework of multi-decision criteria
packaging as well as its potential to prevent the proliferation of patho-
for assessing the suitability of a bio-based food packaging prototype
gens and extend the shelf life of food products. The mechanical properties
taking into account environmental, circular, economic and social con-
(water vapor and oxygen permeability, swelling index, film homogene-
cerns. On this basis, a preliminary literature review was carried out to
ity, among others) are adequate and may represent an excellent alter-
identify the main trends and perspectives regarding bio-based food
native to replace traditional plastic packaging.
packaging. Through the analysis of the main keywords selected in the
With this information, the analysis of this proposal has been devel-
research, five main criteria have been considered for the development of
oped using the multi-decision criteria map (Fig. 2). The evaluation is
the multi-decision criteria diagram: packaging evaluation criteria,
displayed in Table 1.

4
A. Arias et al.
environmental criteria, circularity criteria, economic criteria and social
criteria. All the parameters that encompass each of the above criteria are
intended to provide an effective methodology for the evaluation of the
suitability of bio-based packaging products, being the Life Cycle meth-
odologies the ones that must be carried out for a correct and complete
evaluation of the packaging prototype evaluated. One of the limitations
that can be identified in the proposed multi-decision criteria map is the
lack of a final quantitative suitability value, which would allow de-
velopers of new packaging film prototypes to quantify their numerical
degree of sustainability and suitability. Therefore, future research should
focus on the development of a quantitative scale to assess the degree of
suitability, in addition to including a minimum-maximum threshold for
the packaging analyzed.
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Ana Arias: Methodology, Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing –
original draft. Gumersindo Feijoo: Writing – review & editing. Maria
Teresa Moreira: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing – review &
editing.
Declaration of competing interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
interest or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence
the work reported in this paper.
Acknowledgements
This research has been financially supported by the European project
iFermenter (Grant Agreement 79057. Ifermenter is a project funded
under the “Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European
Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme”. The authors
belong to the Galician Competitive Research Group (GRC ED431C 2017/
29) and to the Cross-disciplinary Research in Environmental Technolo-
gies (CRETUS Research Center, ED431E 2018/01).
Appendix A. Supplementary data
Supplementary data to this article can be found online at https://
doi.org/10.1016/j.crgsc.2021.100160.
References
[1] P.K. Sabharwal, S. Chattopadhyay, H. Singh, Preparation and characterization of
antimicrobial, biodegradable, triclosan-incorporated polyhydroxybutyrate-co-
valerate films for packaging applications, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 135 (2018), https://
doi.org/10.1002/app.46862.
[2] H. Wu, C. Teng, B. Liu, H. Tian, J.G. Wang, Characterization and long term
antimicrobial activity of the nisin anchored cellulose films, Int. J. Biol. Macromol.
113 (2018) 487–493, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.01.194.
[3] S. Hajinezhad, B.M. Razavizadeh, R. Niazmand, I. Ghasemi, Antimicrobial,
mechanical, and physicochemical properties of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)
extruded films blended with propolis, Int. J. Food Prop. 23 (2020) 2020–2032,
https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2020.1840388.
[4] J.S. Lyu, J.S. Lee, J. Han, Development of a biodegradable polycaprolactone film
incorporated with an antimicrobial agent via an extrusion process, Sci. Rep. 9
(2019), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56757-5.
[5] T. Huang, Y. Qian, J. Wei, C. Zhou, Polymeric Antimicrobial food packaging and its
applications, Polymers 11 (2019), https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11030560.
[6] N.M.P. Machado, G.C. Melo, M.F. Camargo, G.G. Feij
o, B.M.S. Putton, C. Steffens,
R.L. Cansian, L.A. Pessan, F.K.V. Moreira, Melt extrusion of environmentally
friendly poly(L-lactic acid)/sodium metabisulfite films for antimicrobial packaging
applications, J. Renew. Mater. 9 (2021) 337–349, https://doi.org/10.32604/
jrm.2021.011081.
[7] L. Settier-Ramírez, G. L
opez-Carballo, R. Gavara, P. Hern
andez-Mu~ noz, Evaluation
of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis as protective culture for active packaging of non-
fermented foods: creamy mushroom soup and sliced cooked ham, Food Contr. 122
(2021), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107802.
[8] L. Motelica, D. Ficai, A. Ficai, O.C. Oprea, D.A. Kaya, E. Andronescu, Biodegradable
antimicrobial food packaging: trends and perspectives, Foods 9 (2020), https://
doi.org/10.3390/foods9101438.
5
Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 4 (2021) 100160
[9] G. Mustațea, E.L. Ungureanu, N. Belc, Polylactic acid (pla) for food packaging
applications - a short overview. https://hau.idm.oclc.org/login?url¼http://search
.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct¼true&db¼fsr&AN¼137864107&amp
;site¼ehost-live&scope¼site, 2019.
[10] B.S. Munteanu, L. Sacarescu, A.L. Vasiliu, G.E. Hitruc, G.M. Pricope, M. Sivertsvik,
J.T. Rosnes, C. Vasile, Antioxidant/antibacterial electrospun nanocoatings applied
onto PLA films, Materials 11 (2018), https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11101973.
[11] T.V. de Oliveira, P.A.V. de Freitas, C.C. Pola, J.O.R. da Silva, L.D.A. Diaz,
S.O. Ferreira, N. de F.F. Soares, Development and optimization of antimicrobial
active films produced with a reinforced and compatibilized biodegradable
polymers, Food Packag. Shelf Life. 24 (2020), https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.fpsl.2019.100459.
[12] R. Akhter, F.A. Masoodi, T.A. Wani, S.A. Rather, Functional characterization of
biopolymer based composite film: incorporation of natural essential oils and
antimicrobial agents, Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 137 (2019) 1245–1255, https://
doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.06.214.
[13] C. Cottet, A.G. Salvay, M.A. Peltzer, M. Fern
andez-García, Incorporation of
poly(Itaconic acid) with quaternized thiazole groups on gelatin-based films for
antimicrobial-active food packaging, Polymers 13 (2021) 1–21, https://doi.org/
10.3390/polym13020200.
[14] M.A.R. Lubis, S.M. Yadav, B.D. Park, Modification of oxidized starch polymer with
nanoclay for enhanced adhesion and free formaldehyde emission of plywood,
J. Polym. Environ. (2021), https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-021-02101-w.
[15] N. Mlalila, A. Hilonga, H. Swai, F. Devlieghere, P. Ragaert, Antimicrobial packaging
based on starch, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(lactic-co-glycolide) materials
and application challenges, Trends Food Sci. Technol. 74 (2018) 1–11, https://
doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2018.01.015.
[16] K. Ludwicka, M. Kaczmarek, A. Białkowska, Bacterial nanocellulose—a biobased
polymer for active and intelligent food packaging applications: recent advances and
developments, Polymers 12 (2020) 1–23, https://doi.org/10.3390/
polym12102209.
[17] N. Dairi, H. Ferfera-Harrar, M. Ramos, M.C. Garrig
os, Cellulose acetate/AgNPs-
organoclay and/or thymol nano-biocomposite films with combined antimicrobial/
antioxidant properties for active food packaging use, Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 121
(2019) 508–523, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.10.042.
[18] W. Woraprayote, L. Pumpuang, A. Tosukhowong, T. Zendo, K. Sonomoto,
S. Benjakul, W. Visessanguan, Antimicrobial biodegradable food packaging
impregnated with Bacteriocin 7293 for control of pathogenic bacteria in pangasius
fish fillets, LWT - Food Sci. Technol. (Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft -Technol.) 89
(2018) 427–433, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2017.10.026.
[19] M. Degli Esposti, M. Toselli, C. Sabia, P. Messi, S. de Niederh€ausern, M. Bondi,
R. Iseppi, Effectiveness of polymeric coated films containing bacteriocin-producer
living bacteria for Listeria monocytogenes control under simulated cold chain
break, Food Microbiol. 76 (2018) 173–179, https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.fm.2018.05.005.
[20] N.F. Kamaruzzaman, L.P. Tan, R.H. Hamdan, S.S. Choong, W.K. Wong, A.J. Gibson,
A. Chivu, M. De Fatima Pina, Antimicrobial polymers: the potential replacement of
existing antibiotics? Int. J. Mol. Sci. 20 (2019) https://doi.org/10.3390/
ijms20112747.
[21] Y. Zhu, C. Li, H. Cui, L. Lin, Encapsulation strategies to enhance the antibacterial
properties of essential oils in food system, Food Contr. 123 (2021), https://doi.org/
10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107856.
[22] G. Chandrakasan, A.I. Rodríguez-Hern
andez, M. del Rocío L
opez-Cuellar,
H.M. Palma-Rodríguez, N. Chavarría-Hern
andez, Bacteriocin encapsulation for food
and pharmaceutical applications: advances in the past 20 years, Biotechnol. Lett. 41
(2019) 453–469, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10529-018-02635-5.
[23] K.M. Amin, A.M. Partila, H.A. Abd El-Rehim, N.M. Deghiedy, Antimicrobial ZnO
nanoparticle–doped polyvinyl alcohol/pluronic blends as active food packaging
films, Part. Part. Syst. Char. 37 (2020), https://doi.org/10.1002/ppsc.202000006.
[24] H.M. Fahmy, R.E. Salah Eldin, E.S. Abu Serea, N.M. Gomaa, G.M. AboElmagd,
S.A. Salem, Z.A. Elsayed, A. Edrees, E. Shams-Eldin, A.E. Shalan, Advances in
nanotechnology and antibacterial properties of biodegradable food packaging
materials, RSC Adv. 10 (2020) 20467–20484, https://doi.org/10.1039/
d0ra02922j.
[25] R. Razavi, H. Tajik, M. Moradi, R. Molaei, P. Ezati, Antimicrobial, microscopic and
spectroscopic properties of cellulose paper coated with chitosan sol-gel solution
formulated by epsilon-poly-L-lysine and its application in active food packaging,
Carbohydr. Res. 489 (2020), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carres.2020.107912.
[26] K. El Bourakadi, N. Merghoub, M. Fardioui, M.E.M. Mekhzoum, I.M. Kadmiri,
E.M. Essassi, A. el K. Qaiss, R. Bouhfid, Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/
thiabendazoluim-montmorillonite bio-nanocomposite films: mechanical,
morphological and antimicrobial properties, Compos. B Eng. 172 (2019) 103–110,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.05.042.
[27] L. Monjazeb Marvdashti, A. Koocheki, M. Yavarmanesh, Characterization, release
profile and antimicrobial properties of bioactive polyvinyl alcohol-alyssum
homolocarpum seed gum- nisin composite film, Food Biophys. 14 (2019) 120–131,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11483-018-09562-y.
[28] M. Soltani Firouz, K. Mohi-Alden, M. Omid, A critical review on intelligent and
active packaging in the food industry: research and development, Food Res. Int. 141
(2021), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110113.
[29] M. Kouhi, M.P. Prabhakaran, S. Ramakrishna, Edible polymers: an insight into its
application in food, biomedicine and cosmetics, Trends Food Sci. Technol. 103
(2020) 248–263, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2020.05.025.
[30] A. Ali, Y. Chen, H. Liu, L. Yu, Z. Baloch, S. Khalid, J. Zhu, L. Chen, Starch-based
antimicrobial films functionalized by pomegranate peel, Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 129
(2019) 1120–1126, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.068.
A. Arias et al.
[31] N. Bhargava, V.S. Sharanagat, R.S. Mor, K. Kumar, Active and intelligent
biodegradable packaging films using food and food waste-derived bioactive
compounds: a review, Trends Food Sci. Technol. 105 (2020) 385–401, https://
doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2020.09.015.
[32] P.J.P. Espitia, C.A. Fuenmayor, C.G. Otoni, Nanoemulsions: synthesis,
characterization, and application in bio-based active food packaging, Compr. Rev.
Food Sci. Food Saf. 18 (2019) 264–285, https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-
4337.12405.
Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 4 (2021) 100160
[33] M.C. Guimar~aes, J.F.G. Motta, D.K.S.F. Madella, L. de A.G. Moura, C.E. de
S. Teodoro, N.R. de Melo, Edible coatings used for conservation of minimally
processed vegetables: a review, Res. Soc. Dev. 9 (2020), https://doi.org/10.33448/
rsd-v9i8.6018.
[34] J. Rydz, W. Sikorska, M. Musioł, B. Zawidlak-Węgrzy
nska, K. Duale, Sustainable
future alternative: (Bio)degradable polymers for the environment, in: Encycl.
Renew. Sustain. Mater., 2020, pp. 274–284, https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-
803581-8.11520-6.