Nazila Biglari - School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

This short review provides an overview of the applications of polysaccharides in food packaging and their pivotal role in addressing sustainability and food preservation challenges. Polysaccharides such as chitosan, cellulose, and starch have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic packaging materials. They offer various advantages including biodegradability, renewability, and the ability to tailor their properties to meet specific packaging requirements. These polysaccharide-based materials serve as essential components in food packaging applications such as wraps, coatings, and sachets. They not only contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of the food packaging industry but also aid in preserving the freshness and safety of food products. Furthermore, polysaccharides can be modified to enhance their moisture resistance, barrier properties, or controlled-release capabilities making them adaptable to diverse packaging requirements. Overall, polysaccharide-based materials have gained significant attention and the growing importance of polysaccharide-based materials in food packaging is underscored by their versatile nature, biodegradability, eco-friendly attributes, and positive impact on sustainability. The adoption of polysaccharide-based materials represents a promising step towards sustainable and effective solutions in the dynamic field of food packaging.

Polysaccharide-Based Materials, Modification, Food Packaging, Biocompatibility