Advances in active packaging using natural biopolymers and fruit by-products for enhanced food preservation.

Abstract

The development of biodegradable active food packaging materials enriched with bioactive compounds derived from plant sources and agro-industrial by-products, such as fruit peels, has gained significant attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional packaging. These materials offer functional benefits, including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which enhance food preservation while reducing environmental impact. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of biopolymers, particularly polysaccharides and proteins, as matrices for active packaging systems. The discussion encompasses the properties and applications of these biopolymers in film and coating formulations. Extraction techniques for bioactive compounds are reviewed, comparing conventional solvent-based methods with green technologies such as ultrasound-assisted and supercritical fluid extraction. These methods are assessed for their efficiency and ability to preserve the functional integrity of bioactive compounds. The integration of bioactive compounds into biopolymer matrices is discussed, focusing on their impact on mechanical properties, barrier performance, and functional characteristics. Examples from the literature highlight the potential of these materials to improve food quality by inhibiting microbial growth and oxidative processes. This review contributes to the understanding of biodegradable active packaging materials, emphasizing the importance of extraction techniques and formulation strategies in optimizing their performance. By exploring the interactions between bioactive compounds and biopolymer matrices, it provides a basis for developing functional, sustainable food packaging solutions aligned with circular economy principles.