Protein-Based Active Film as Antimicrobial Food Packaging: A Review

This review discusses the protein-based active film as antimicrobial food packaging derived from various sources such as gelatin, casein, whey and zein-based protein. The films properties that exhibit antimicrobial activity are being reviewed along with their application in food packaging industry. This paper also studies the inhibition activity by antimicrobial agents from organic and metallic sources which were incorporated into the protein-based film. Nowadays, protein-based film has emerged as one of the most extensively studied in food packaging sector as it exhibits good mechanical, optical, and oxygen barrier properties. In addition, protein-based film also showed good compatibility to polar surfaces while having effective control on the release of additives and bioactive compounds in food packaging system. This paper also detailed out information on antimicrobial food packaging in order to increase consumer awareness regarding food safety and healthy lifestyle while maintaining the quality and prolonged the shelf life of food product.