Open access peer-reviewed chapter

Application of Essential Oils on Active Packaging Systems

Written By

Imen Dridi, Ahmed Landoulsi and Nadia Smirani

Submitted: 20 August 2023 Reviewed: 30 August 2023 Published: 06 November 2023

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.113069

From the Edited Volume

Essential Oils - Recent Advances, New Perspectives and Applications

Edited by Jonas

Chapter metrics overview

65 Chapter Downloads

View Full Metrics

Abstract

Millions tons of food waste are annually generated, causing serious environmental problems. Indeed, the degradation of food quality occurs naturally due to its vulnerability to biochemical reactions such as protein degradation, lipid oxidation, and microbiogical attacks. This huge waste mass can be minimized throughout the food supply chain by many methods including increasing the shelf life of products. Therefore, active food packaging, which not only contains and protects food but also interacts with packaged products, is used. Nevertheless, the migration process, which is defined by the transfer of chemical compounds from the food packaging to the food, may cause changes in the food product quality and safety. Active packaging can contain several additives, allowing them to have antibacterial, antioxidant activities, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene scavengers, carbon dioxide emitters, odor emitters and absorbers, relative humidity regulators antibacterial antioxidants. Essential oils (EOs) are popular for their natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that are increasing consumer demand due to the perception of their ‘safer’ natural origin. The purpose of this chapter is to study the incorporation of EOs in the active packaging formulation.

Keywords

  • food waste
  • active packaging
  • essential oils
  • incorporation
  • antibacterial activity
  • antioxidant activity

1. Introduction

According to FAO (2019), approximately 14% of the world’s food production is lost, resulting in a contribution of 8–10% to global greenhouse gas emissions [1]. Thus, food waste is a significant economic, environmental, and social issue. Consequently, ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns by reducing food losses along production and supply chains is one of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development targets [2]. Food lost waste (FLW) can be defined as the mass of food wasted during food chains. FLW can occur during production, postharvest, and processing stages.

One of the solutions to reduce FLW is the extension of food shelf life by innovative packaging technologies. Food packaging has a critical role in the food supply chain. Its basic function is containing food, facilitating its transport, and preventing any physical damage. Moreover, food packaging should preserve food safety and quality from the production stage until consumption [3]. Hence, the packaging acts as a barrier to protect the food from many environmental factors including oxygen, light, moisture, dust, pests, volatiles, and both microbiological and chemical contamination. Furthermore, packaging contributes to establishing convenient storage conditions for the consumer, which reduces food degradation [4].

Food packaging’s role is continuously being ameliorated in response to consumer needs. Who are always willing for healthier, safer, and higher quality foods with long shelf life. In this optic active packaging (AP) was developed as a novel method of food preservatives [5]. Taking into account that AP is defined by the European regulation (EC) No 450/2009, as systems designed to deliberately incorporate components that would release or absorb substances into or from the packaged food or the environment surrounding the food [6]. Active packaging including antioxidant packaging, antimicrobial packaging, moisture absorbers, carbon dioxide emitters, and ethanol emitters. AP systems can be subdivided into active releasing systems (emitters) and active scavenging system (absorbers) [5]. AP scavenging systems are oxygen scavenger, moisture scavenger, and ethylene absorber. The presence of moisture in packaging affects food quality including appearance and texture. Several desiccants such as Zeolits and silica are usually used to prevent these problems [7]. Ethylene is responsible for chlorophyll degradation; moreover, it may be incriminated in shortening life of leafy products. Therefore, using ethylene scavengers, including Zeolites, nanoparticles and potassium permanganate can prevent food degradation [7].

The presence of oxygen in packaging can lead to product oxidation and the development of several aerobic microorganisms, resulting in the loss of some nutritional elements and the modification of color and taste. That is why using oxygen scavenging (OS) agents is a useful solution. Oxygen-scavenging gents can essentially include metallic, organic, polymer-based, or enzyme-based [8].

Metallic OS such as iron powder, activated iron, ferrous oxide, Co (II), iron salt, and Zn are oxidized in the presence of moisture. Iron-based OS are the most used agents for the conservation of packaged food, due to their low price and efficiency. However, using iron-based scavenging films have some drawbacks such as metal contamination of food and the reduction of its efficiency in high temperature [8]. Hence, researchers are substituting iron-based OS by organic agents (OA) such as tocopherol, ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid salts, isoascorbic acid, catechol, hydroquinone, sorbose, lignin, polyunsaturated fatty acids gallic acid, characterized by their low-molecular-weight oligomers. These agents have the possibility to be added to oxygen-scavenging polymers or polymer films. Indeed, side chains react with oxygen, or the backbone is broken apart when the polymer reacts with oxygen. Despite the advantages of organic-based scavenging films, it presents several drawbacks such as its relatively high cost and lower scavenging activity [9]. Polymer-based oxygen scavengers presents a new side of OS agents such as polymer-metal complexes, polyolefin, and oxidation-reduction resins. The main drawback of polymer-based oxygen scavengers is the possibility of by-product generation, such as organic acids, ketones, or aldehydes, during the reaction between oxygen and polyunsaturated molecules such as fatty acids affecting the color and the flavor of food products [10]. Another approach is, also used for oxygen scavenging in food packaging is the use of enzyme such as the mixture glucose oxidase and catalase. United enzyme oxygen scavenging systems are sensitive to variations in water activity, pH, salt content, and temperature.

Recently, natural products gained in popularity over synthetic products because of their ‘safe status’ and their lower perceived risk. Several studies have shown that natural product sources including flavonoids, polyphenols, tocopherols, and essential oils (EOs), extracted from plants may be valuable in food industry. These molecules are reported to be potential candidates for being included in AP [11, 12]. EOs are characterized by their complex and rich composition, conferring them a potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activity [12, 13]. The present study will focus on the possibilities of using EOs as effective alternatives or complements to synthetic chemical compounds in the AP system.

Advertisement

2. Essential oils

Essential oils are defined by ISO as ‘Product obtained from vegetable raw material either by distillation with water or steam or from the epicarp of Citrus fruits by a mechanical process, or-by dry distillation’ [14]. Buchbauer and his collaborators [15] also define them as ‘more or less volatile substances with more or less odorous impact, produced either by steam distillation or dry distillation or by means of a mechanical treatment from one single species’. Essential oils are famous for their rich composition, mainly aromatic and volatile compounds. Indeed, EOs are composed of 85–99% volatile and 1–15% nonvolatile compounds. Volatile compounds are mainly terpenoids, aldehydes, ketones, esters, methoxy derivatives, acids, alcohols, phenols (eugenol), and methylenedioxy compounds (myristicin). These compounds confer to EOs many biological activities and make them an integral part of everyday life [15, 16]. EOs composition depends on many factors including plant species age, genetic factors, time of harvest, season, and extraction method [11, 17]. EOs are utilized for perfume and cosmetic product formulation. Moreover, they are used in the formulation of deodorizers, air fresheners as well as in the formulation of several pharmaceutical products. In agriculture, EOs are used as biocides. Furthermore, EOs are mainly used in the food industry for their flavors and their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties [18]. Synthetic preservatives are used in the food industry but can induce allergic reactions, intoxications, and even cancer. Therefore, industries are looking for other alternatives such as plant extracts and EOs characterized by their potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Recently, there is a growing interest in the use of EOs in food packaging and in food due to their Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) and their significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities [18].

Advertisement

3. Essential oil incorporation technology in active packaging

The EOs, which are known for their biological properties, are increasingly being employed as natural preservatives in food packaging. This approach tends to limit the usage of synthetic additives, increasing consumer acceptance of safe products [19]. Indeed, the EOs compounds can be progressively released at a suitable rate from the active packaging into the atmosphere surrounding the food product, exerting their positive antibacterial and antioxidant effects and, therefore, increasing the shelf life of the food product [20].

However, the EOs are challenging to efficiently include in active food packaging due to their volatilization, insolubilization in water, and chemical instability. As a result, these active agents must be integrated into matrices to sustain their biological characteristics during packaging manufacturing and then during various stages of food transportation and storage [18, 21]. Furthermore, to enhance the EOs biological effects in active packaging, optimal retention, and sustained, controlled release are required. This latter feature is particularly essential in extending the shelf life of the foods by prolonging the release period of EO compounds for keeping a continuous biological activity [22].

Several approaches have been taken to develop controlled-release active packaging. All of them are based on the use of biodegradable polymers or copolymers with filmogenic properties, such as polysaccharides (cellulose, starch, and chitin), proteins (gelatin, zein, gluten, and casein), and lipids [23]. To these promising vehicle polymers, plasticizers, crosslinking, and reinforcing agents can be added to enhance the mechanical properties of film packaging [24].

The EOs can be included in polymer matrices by simply blending film ingredients and casting methods to film formation or by employing several encapsulation technologies for EOs incorporation in active packaging film matrices. The casting method is widely used in the production of film packaging [25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30]. It simply entails spreading over a flat surface a prepared film-forming solution containing an active ingredient such as EOs and a filomgenic polymer, both dissolved in a solvent. The solvent is then removed by drying. A plasticizer that changes three-dimensional organization, lowers attractive intermolecular interactions, and increases free volume and chain mobility is typically added to the basic film recipe. Glycerol is the most common plasticizer used for its stability and compatibility with hydrophilic biopolymers. As a result, the film has greater extensibility and flexibility, both of which are important in film design [31]. However, the direct incorporation of EO in active films via the blending and casting methods has several limitations. It has been stated that microencapsulated oregano EO in soy protein concentrate films provides emulsion-based products with better mechanical properties as well as antibacterial action against food pathogens compared to films containing free EO [32]. Therefore, EOs encapsulation, applied to active films, constitutes an interesting alternative for preserving the active agents. It consists of forming a physical barrier between the active agent and the surrounding environment, providing the created capsules physical and chemical stability as well as enhanced biological (antibacterial and antioxidant) and functional qualities (better handling) [33].

Encapsulation is the process of entrapping active agents (core materials as EOs) by another substance that serves as the wall material, resulting in nanometer, micrometer, or millimiter capsules [18, 34]. Furthermore, encapsulating EOs before forming active films is more efficient because it increases EO stability and bioavailability and enables controlled release to the external medium around the encapsulated particles by the diffusion process. This is the primary role of active film packaging in preserving food products [35]. Zhang and his collaborators [22] emphasized the necessity of gradual release of EO components and a prolonged sustained release time of EO to ensure the efficiency of antibacterial activity throughout the shelf life of food goods.

Microcapsules or nanocapsules can be generated depending on the encapsulation technology specificity. Several investigations on active agent nanoencapsulation have recently been published [33, 36, 37]. Kapustova and his collaborators [38] stated that the nano-range (10−9) of nanocapsules, which are a thousand times smaller than microcapsules, increases the surface-to-volume area for better efficiency in the delivery of EOs to targeted locations with greater stability and dispersibility.

Encapsulating technologies were classified into two categories: those that use chemical processes such as complex coacervation, liposomes, solid nanoparticles, and ionic gelation and those that rely on physical processes such as spray drying, extrusion, and solvent removal [39]. In general, more than one of the above technologies is often used to produce the desired microcapsules [40].

Furthermore, emulsifying the EOs compounds is usually required prior to encapsulation; it is considered as a preencapsulation step [41]. To stabilize the emulsion, high shear [42], or high pressure [43] or ultrasonication [44] must be used to homogenize the wall-core material. Nevertheless, droplets (oil in water) have such a loose structure they cannot effectively protect active substances; therefore, they must be immobilized in a solid matrix [45].

3.1 Encapsulation methods based on physical processes

Spray drying is commonly used to encapsulate EOs compounds [43, 46, 47]. It is primarily based on a three-step process: (1) wall-core material dispersion preparation, (2) wall-core material dispersion homogenization, and (3) dispersion atomization and drying [18]. The wall material must be carefully selected to improve EO component retention while also preventing oxidative alterations and volatilization [18]. Whey protein is commonly used as a wall material to facilitate emulsion formation and interfacial stabilization. Other additives, such as maltodextrins, can be employed to aid the encapsulation process, resulting in a bigger crust surrounding the drops and adequate oxidation protection [48].

Talon and his collaborators [43] examined whey protein and lecithin as wall materials for spray drying encapsulation of eugenol (7%). Both have been found to be effective against antioxidant and antibacterial properties when tested on Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua. Zhang and his collaborators [47] used spray drying technology to encapsulate a mixture of three EOs in gelatin-chitosan: cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), peppermint (Mentha haplocalyx), and lemon (Citrus limon). The EO combination exhibited a synergistic antibacterial activity based on the cooperation of different EOs.

Extrusion is often used to encapsulate active agents [34]. It works by forcing a substance through an orifice of varying width and shape according on the desired capsules [49]. Five extrusion technologies are used based on extruder specificity and other parameters: (1) hot-melt extrusion, (2) melt injection, (3) centrifugal/co-extrusion, (4) electrostatic/electrospinning, and (5) particle from gas-saturated solution. In hot-melt extrusion, the wall material is first introduced to the extruder, after plasticized, the active agent is applied to promote the interaction of the wall and core materials. In melt-injection, the active agent is directly dispersed in the heated wall material (80–140°C), then pressed through orifices into a bath of cold solvent to allow capsule solidification. Both extrusion processes required polymers with high flow characteristics and active agents that could endure high temperatures.

In co-extrusion technology, the wall and core materials are introduced separately through several nozzles located on the extruder’s exterior surface. The wall material and active agent come into contact at the interface due to centrifugal forces, resulting in a polymerization reaction and the formation of microcapsules [34]. Because it requires less energy for encapsulation, this co-extrusion method is particularly suited for EOs compounds and probiotic bacteria as active agents.

Electrostatic extrusion, known as electrospinning, is a one-step process for producing micro and nanocapsules [50]. The introduction of an electric field between a charged needle (containing the microcapsules) and the collecting solution causes the microcapsules to be unable to stand at the mouth of the needle, resulting in the formation of a charge stream of small drop [34]. Since, electrospinning operates at ambient temperature and atmospheric strain, it is particularly suited to the encapsulation of EOs compounds [51].

3.2 Encapsulation methods based on chemical processes

Complex coacervation is largely employed for active agent encapsulation such as EOs [44, 52, 53]. It is mostly achieved by electrostatic forces of attraction between at least two polymers with opposite charges in aqueous fluids, with small contributions from hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions. As a result, the colloidal system separates into two liquid phases: one polymer-enriched precipitate phase and one polymer-depleted precipitate phase [54].

Polymers involved in coacervation are proteins and polysaccharides as wall material for the encapsulation of the active agent. This one is incorporated through emulsification in wall material to provide stability and protection. Finally, the capsules are separated using a physicochemical environment destabilization (pH and temperature) [18].

Ban and his collaborators [44] used coacervation to encapsulate ginger EOs in a mixture of chitosan (CH) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The microcapsules with the same CH/CMC ratio have a crosslinking structure that may bind EOs, resulting in a high encapsulation efficiency (88.5%) and retention rate of volatile EO release to extend jujube shelf life.

Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been regarded as one of the preferred encapsulating polymers in the pharmaceutical industry and, recently, in the food industry [55]. CDs are a distinct family of molecules that are produced naturally through the degradation of starchy compounds. They are classified into three types: α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins and made up of D-glucose units linked together by glycocidic bonds between α-(1,4) carbon atoms. The toroidal structure of these compounds provides a hydrophobic interior cylindrical cavity and hydrophilic sides. As a result, the central cavity can form a stable combination with a guest molecule [37, 56]. EOs are well suited to being encapsulated in cyclodextrins, and so remaining protected while being released from the inclusion complex at a controlled rate, which is ideal for active packaging applications.

Silva and his collaborators [55] recently developed CD polymers such as CD nanosponges (CD-NS). These nanosponges are innovative crosslinked cyclodextrin polymers nanostructured within a three-dimensional network. They provide better stability and formulation flexibility with sustained release.

The technology of ionic gelation encapsulation has received a lot of attention in recent years because of its high adaptability to many types of active agents and low-cost approach [32]. This technology is particularly useful for encapsulating EO compounds to protect them from environmental deterioration [57, 58]. It is based on the ionic crosslinking of a polymer solution containing the active substance to encapsulate in the presence of multivalent cations [59]. As a result, complexation between oppositely charged species occurs under continual agitation [39]. Alginate and chitosan are the two most common coating materials. Both are nontoxic, highly biocompatible polymers with good mechanical resistance, making them appropriate for active food packaging applications [23].

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are gaining popularity as attractive carriers for bioactive agents, particularly those with a lipophilic character such as EOs. SLNs are nanometer-sized colloidal particles formed from oil-in-water emulsions containing lipids that are solidified at room temperature and stabilized by the addition of a surfactant. The advantages of SLNs over other encapsulation methods include their biodegradability, gradual degradation, sustained release of active agent, and greater encapsulation effectiveness for lipophilic substances [60]. Table 1 reports technological trends of active films packaging containing EO in the last 6 years (ScienceDirect—Elsevier).

EO incorporation technology in APEssential oilActive packaging matricesReferences
Blending
Casting method
Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior Jack) inflorescenceTorch ginger EO (0.1–0.8%) was incorporated into starch solution at 3% (w/v) and 0.3% of glycerol (w/v) as plasticizer
The active film was tested on chicken meat
[29]
Encapsulation
  • Emulsion

Casting method
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) kernelApricot kernet EO was incorporated to chitosane with acetic acid as a solvent and Tween 80
The film was tested for bread slices
[26]
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus L.)Lemongrass EO was incorporated into two different formulations of biopolymer emulsions chitosan-gelatin and pectin-gelatin. Glycerol and Tween 80 were added as a plasticizer and an emulsifier, respectively, to the biopolymer solution
The film was tested on storage of raspberries
[61]
Encapsulation
  • Emulsion

  • Ion gelation

Casting method
LemonEmulsion was produced with Chitosan, Tween, and lemon. Then, tripolyphosphate solution was added to form nanocapsules
The freeze-dried nanocapsules were added to Grass carp collagen to prepare edible films
The film was tested on storage of chilled pork
[24]
Encapsulation:
Spray drying
Mixture of three EOs:Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), peppermint (Mentha haplocalyx), and lemon (Citrus limon)A mixture of three EOs cinnamon, peppermint, and lemon (Citrus limon) were incorporated in gelatin-chitosan material by spray drying[47]
Encapsulation:
  • Extrusion: melt-injection

  • Rose (Rosa eglanteria) seed EO

  • Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) root

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pellets and active agents were mixed and melted together, then cooled and cut into granules. The extruded granules were fed to a blown film extrusion machine
The film was tested on fresh meat
[62]
Encapsulation
  • Emulsion

  • Coacervation

  • Freeze drying

GingerGinger EO was incorporated in polysaccharides, a mixture of chitosan and sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose
The microcapsules were tested on postharvest jujube fruit
[44]
Encapsulation
  • β-Cyclodextrin

  • Electrospinning

CinnamonCinnamon EO (0.5–3 g) was encapsulated in polyvinyl alcohol and β-cyclodextrin polymers, producing nanofibrous films
The nanofibrous film was tested on the preservation of fresh strawberries at 4°C for 18 days
[50]
Encapsulation:
  • Electrospinning

ThymeThyme EO was incorporated in a zein solution with 30% (w/v) of zein in glacial acetic acid
Zein nanofiber film was tested for the packaged strawberries
[63]

Table 1.

Technological trends of active film packaging containing EO.

Advertisement

4. Incorporation of EOs in active packaging system as antimicrobial agent

Several microorganisms are a threat for food sustainability and human health. They are implicated in quantitative and qualitative food loss [64]. Indeed, in 2011, it was estimated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that 1.3 billion tons of food are annually discarded owing to their contamination by microbial spoilage, contributing to food insecurity and financial losses. Despite the evolution of production and packaging techniques, food contamination by pathogenic microorganisms has remained a persistent global challenge. Currently, there is a growing interest in integrating EOs as antimicrobial agents in food and food packaging [18]. Many previous studies have found that several EOs are efficient against diverse microbes including yeast, bacteria, fungi, and viruses [16, 18, 65].

Some EOs compounds such as aldehydes, phenols and oxygen-containing terpenes especially compound-containing phenol groups are characterized by their potential antibacterial activity [66, 67]. Indeed, phenolic compounds are implicated in the destruction of the bacterial cell membrane and permeability. The hydroxyl groups carried by the phenolic compound are implicated in the inhibition of microorganism enzyme activity. Eugenol and carvacrol are also reported to be potential antimicrobial agents [20].

Previous works showed that antibacterial activity of EOs depends on many factors including the bacterial cell wall composition [68] and cellular shape [65]. Indeed, it was shown that Gram-negative bacteria are more resistant than Gram-positive bacteria to EOs [68]; moreover, rod-shaped bacteria are more susceptible to EOs than cocci [69]. The antibacterial activity of EOs is associated with their lipophilic nature, enabling their accumulation in membranes, and making the membrane their main target [68].

To avoid food deterioration by microbial contamination, antimicrobial agent can be mixed into the initial food formulations, which may affect the taste of the food [70]. Antimicrobial agents, including EOs can be also applied directly by brushing, dipping or spraying on the food surface. Nevertheless, active agent of antimicrobial substances may be evaporated, inactivated or can migrate into the bulk of the foods [71]. Thus, the incorporation of t EO on the packaging film, where they are gradually released to the food surface reducing the contamination and the development of microbial agent, provide better efficiency for foodstuffs preservation. Table 2 illustrates many recent works published in the last ten years using EOs as antimicrobial agents in active packaging.

Essential oilMicroorganismsReferences
Cinnamon and clove EOsPenicillium commune and Eurotium amstelodami[72]
Clove budsStaphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli[73]
Oregano and garlic EOsEscherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Penicillium spp[74]
Trachyspermum ammi EO (Ajowan)Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus[75]
Cinnamon, melaleuca and citronella EOsSalmonella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Staphylococcus epidermidis[76]
Cinnamon EOListeria monocytogenese, Listeria garayi[77]
Thyme EOEscherichia coli[47]
Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior Jack) inflorescence EOBacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimirium, and Escherichia coli[29]
Laurus nobilis L. leaf EO)Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium[78]
Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.)Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger[79]
Mixture of three EOs: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), Peppermint (Mentha haplocalyx), and lemon (Citrus limon)E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus[21]

Table 2.

Incorporation of EOs in active packaging system as antimicrobial agent.

Advertisement

5. Incorporation of EOs in active packaging system as antioxidant agent

Food oxidative damage is initiated by the interactions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide radicals (O22−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radicals (OH) with oxidizable compounds. Food oxidative damages usually are implicated in shortening food shelf life, loss of color, odor, and flavor and lowering nutritional value [80].

Amorati and his collaborators [81] have defined an antioxidant compound by its ability to slow or retarding the oxidation of another material allowing protection from oxidative stress. Antioxidants can be classified into two main groups (preventive antioxidants and chain-breaking antioxidants) depending on their mechanism of action. Preventive antioxidants inhibit the initiation of radical species formation processes such as enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and metal chelators (phytic acid) [81]. Chain-breaking antioxidants inhibit or block autoxidation by reacting speeder than oxidizable substrate, forming neutral chemical species that cannot propagate the oxidation chain [81].

Thermoplastic films are used in packaging to exclude oxygen, avoiding the interaction between ROS and foods [82]. Nevertheless, using Thermoplastic films generates nondegradable packaging waste, and many new laws were proposed to reduce or ban single-use plastics [83].

Many previous studies have reported that EOs have a potential antioxidant activity contributing in the attenuation of free-radical oxidative reactions [13, 84]. EOs can prevent lipid oxidation in food through the inhibition of the food oxidative initiation, terminating peroxides, blocking the formation of singlet oxygen [85, 86].

Even though the large chemical diversity of EOs composition, the main components of common EOs can be classified into two structural families: terpenoids (monoterpene, sesquiterpene, diterpene) and phenylpropanoid [81]. Both terpenoid and phenylpropanoid contain phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants owing to their high reactivity with peroxyl radicals [87]. Moreover, phenolic compounds, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, and certain alcohols can enhance the antioxidant properties of the EOs [88]. Eugenol and carvacrol are also reported to be potential antioxidant agents [20].

EOs are mixtures of many compounds including different types of antioxidants or oxidizable components such as terpenoids and phenylpropanoid often coexist. Many previous works tried to study if the overall antioxidant activity of a natural EO can be attributed to the most effective antioxidant component. This hypothesis is true in some cases. However, many exceptions were found, reporting that EOs antioxidant activity is the result of the complex interaction among the oxidizable material to be protected and components. Generally, synergistic or antagonistic behavior is expected, depending on the composition of EOs and experimental conditions [89]. To prolong shelf life and prevent autoxidation of edible product, EOs characterized by their potential antioxidant activity can be used as a food ingredient, either as a part of active packaging. According to (EC) No 1333/2008 [90, 91]. EOs are considered as food additives when they represent a “substance not normally consumed as a food in itself and not normally used as a characteristic ingredient of food, whether or not it has nutritive value, the intentional addition of which to food for a technological purpose in the manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment, packaging, transport or storage of such food results, or may be reasonably expected to result, in it or its by-products becoming directly or indirectly a component of such foods”. Moreover, EOs can also be considered as flavoring substances, according to (EC) No 1334/2008 [92] when they are ‘products not intended to be consumed as such, which are added to food in order to impart or modify odor and/or taste; or products made or consisting of the following categories: flavoring substances, flavoring preparations, thermal process flavorings, smoke flavorings, flavor precursors or other flavorings or mixtures there of’. Many recent researches reported the efficiency of EOs used in active packaging as an antioxidant are reported in Table 3.

Essential oilAntioxidant effect of EOReferences
Citrus sinensis (L.) OsbeckShelf life extension of Pink shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) by about n10 days[92]
Peppermint EOUp to the 45th day of storage at 40°C, Peppermint EO decreased considerably the formation of hydroperoxides in soybean oil at 40°C[93]
Thyme EOAmelioration of antioxidant activity and extension of the shelf life of chilled meat[75]
Thyme EOIncreased antioxidant activity of strawberry fruits during the first 6 days of storage[63]
Lemongrass EOActive packaging film developed by the combination of lemongrass EO and chitosan protected the chicken patties packed from lipid peroxidation[94]
Rosemary EOChitosan/sodium caseinate blend with 1% and 2% of rosemary EO reduced by 50% the malondialdehyde concentration of chicken meat[42]
Ginger and grape seed EOs
  • Meat shelf life extension by 6% and 2%, respectively, for ginger EO and grape seed EO

  • A positive effect on the freshness of meat was reported

[62]
Ginger EOThe antioxidant activities of the films significantly increased with the addition of ginger EO[29]
Pepper-rosmarinThe addition of Pepper-rosmarin EO and poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate) to active packaging film inhibited the oxidation of olive oil[95]
Cinnamon EOIncreased antioxidant activity of silicon dioxide nanoparticles used in the active packaging[96]

Table 3.

Incorporation of EOs in active packaging system as antioxidant agent.

Advertisement

6. Conclusion

Food packaging protects food from environmental effect, contributing to the establishment of convenient storage conditions and reducing food degradation. In response to consumer demand for healthier and higher quality foods with long shelf life, food packaging is continuously being ameliorated. For this purpose, AP was developed. AP can be essentially classified into two categories: active releasing systems (emitters) and active scavenging systems (absorbers). In this study, we were interested in active releasing systems—specially EOs. Many approaches were used to develop controlled-release active packaging. Most of them are based on the use of biodegradable polymers or copolymers with filmogenic properties. EOs, can be incorporated into polymer matrices by blending, method, micro-nano encapsulation, or adsorption technologies. Several recent studies evaluated the effect of EO incorporation in AP as antibacterial or antioxidant agent, and it was found that most of the tested EO are implicated in extending food shelf life.

According to the most recent literature EOs incorporation in AP could be considered as an optimal alternative option in the food packaging industry to obtain healthier food with longer shelf life. However, additional studies for biological and organoleptic proprieties are required.

Advertisement

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

References

  1. 1. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). Food Waste Index Report 2021. Nairobi. 2021. pp. 99. ISBN No: 978- 92-807-3868-1. Available from: https://www.unep.org/resources/report/unep-food-waste-index-report-2021
  2. 2. Pasarín V, Viinikainen T. Enabling a legal environment for the prevention and reduction of food loss and waste. In: Legal Brief. Rome, Italy: FAO; 2022. DOI: 10.4060/cc2278en
  3. 3. Brennan L, Langley S, Verghese K, Lockrey S, Ryder M, Francis C, et al. The role of packaging in fighting food waste: A systematised review of consumer perceptions of packaging. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2021;281:125276. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125276
  4. 4. Bahrami A, Delshadi R, Assadpour E, Jafari SM, Williams L. Antimicrobial-loaded nanocarriers for food packaging applications. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science. 2020;278:102140. DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2020.102140
  5. 5. Yildirim S, Rocker B, Pettersen MK, Nygaard JN, Ayhan Z, Rutkaite R, et al. Active packaging applications for food. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2018;17(1):165-199. DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12322
  6. 6. European Commission. Regulation (EC) No 450/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 May 2009 on active and intelligent materials and articles intended to come into the contact with food. Official Journal of the European Union. 2009;135:3-11. Available from: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:135:0003:0011:EN:PDF
  7. 7. Dey A, Neogi S. Oxygen scavengers for food packaging applications: A review. Trends in Food Sciences and Technology. 2019;90:26-34. DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.05.013
  8. 8. Gaikwad KK, Singh S, Lee YS. Oxygen scavenging films in food packaging. Environmental Chemistry Letters. 2018;16:523-538. DOI: 10.1007/s10311-018-0705
  9. 9. Byun Y, Bae HJ, Whiteside S. Active warm-water fish gelatin film containing oxygen scavenging system. Food Hydrocolloids. 2012;27:250-255. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2011.06.010
  10. 10. Li H, Tung KK, Paul DR, Freeman BD, Stewart ME, Jenkins JC. Characterization of oxygen scavenging films based on 1, 4-polybutadiene. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. ;2012(51):7138-7145. DOI: 10.1021/ie201905j
  11. 11. Dhifi W, Bellili S, Jazi S, Bahloul N, Mnif W. Essential oils’ chemical characterization and investigation of some biological activities: A critical review. Medicine. 2016;3(4):E25. DOI: 10.3390/medicines3040025
  12. 12. Qiana M, Liuabc D, Zhanga X, Zhongpingd Y, Ismaila BB, Yeabc X, et al. A review of active packaging in bakery products: Applications and future trends. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2021;114:459-471. DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.06.009
  13. 13. Dridi I, Haouel-Hamdi S, Cheraief I, Mediouni Ben Jemâa J, Landoulsi A, Chaouch R. Tunisian Lavandula dentata (L) flowering tops essential oil: Chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant and insecticidal activities. Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants. 2021;24(3):632-647. DOI: 10.1080/0972060X.2021.1944326
  14. 14. ISO/DIS 9235.2: 1997. Aromatic Natural Raw Materials—Vocabulary. Geneva: International Standard Organization. Available from: https://www.iso.org/standard/51017.html
  15. 15. Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Jáger W, Plank C. Studies on the biological effects of fragrance compounds and essential oils upon inhalation. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 1993;82(6):660-664. DOI: 10.1002/jps.2600820623
  16. 16. Ben Salha G, Herrera Díaz R, Lengliz O, Abderrabba M, Labidi J. Effect of the chemical composition of free-terpene hydrocarbons essential oils on antifungal activity. Molecules. 2019;24(19):3532. DOI: 10.3390/molecules24193532
  17. 17. Sowndhararajan K, Deepa P, Kim M, Park SJ, Kim S. A review of the composition of the essential oils and biological activities of Angelica species. Scientia Pharmaceutica. 2017;85(3):33. DOI: 10.3390/scipharm85030033
  18. 18. Mukurumbira AR, Shellie Keast R, Palombo EA, Jadhay SR. Encapsulation of essential oils and their application in antimicrobial active packaging. Food Control. 2022;136:108883. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.108883
  19. 19. Manzoor A, Yousuf B, Pandith JA, Ahmad A. Plant-derived active substances incorporated as antioxidant, antibacterial or antifungal components in coatings/films for food packaging. Applications Food Bioscience. 2023;53:102717. DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102717
  20. 20. Lopez-Gomez A, Navarro-Martínez A, Martínez-Hernandez GB. Effects of essential oils released from active packaging on the antioxidant system and quality of lemons during cold storage and commercialization. Scientia Horticulturae. 2023;312:111855.DOI10.1016/j.scienta.2023.111855
  21. 21. Zhang J, Zhang J, Huang X, Shi J, Muhammad A, Zhai X, et al. Study on cinnamon essential oil release performance based on pH-triggered dynamic mechanism of active packaging for meat preservation. Food Chemistry. 2023;400:134030. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134030
  22. 22. Zhang W, Jiang J, Rhim JW, Cao J, Jiang W. Effective strategies of sustained release and retention enhancement of essential oils in active food packaging films/coatings. Food Chemistry. 2022;367:130671. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130671
  23. 23. Rout S, Tambe S, Kumar Deshmukh R, Mali S, Cruz J, Prakash Srivastav PA, et al. Recent trends in the application of essential oils: The next generation of food preservation and food packaging. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 2022;129:421-439. DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.10.012
  24. 24. Jiang Y, Lan W, Sameen DU, Ahmed S, Qin W, Zhang Q, et al. Preparation and characterization of grass carp collagen-chitosan lemon essential oil composite films for application as food packaging. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 2020;129:421-439. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.05.202
  25. 25. Danneenberg GDS, Funck GD, Cruxen CEDS, Marques JDL, da Silva WP, Fiorentini AM, et al. Essential oil from pink pepper as an antimicrobial component in cellulose acetate film: Potential for application as active packaging for sliced cheese. LWT-Food Science and Technology. 2017;81:314-318. DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2017.04.002
  26. 26. Priyadarshi R, Sauraj KB, Deeba F, Kulshreshtha A, Negi YS. Chitosan films incorporated with apricot (Prunus armeniaca) kernel essential oil as active food packaging material. Food Hydrocolloids. 2018;85:158-166. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2018.07.003
  27. 27. Cheng J, Wang H, Xiao F, Xia L, Li L, Sameen DU, et al. Functional effectiveness of double essential oils@yam starch/microcrystalline cellulose as active antibacterial packaging. Biological Macromolecules. 2021;186:873-885. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.094
  28. 28. Vishnu Priya N, Vinitha UG, Meenakshi SM. Preparation of chithsan based antimicrobial active food packaging film incorporated with Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology. 2021;34:102021. DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2021.102021
  29. 29. Marzlan AA, Muhialdin BJ, Abedin NHZ, Manshoor N, Ranjith FH, Anzian A, et al. Incorporating torch ginger (Etlingera elatior JACK) inflorescence essential oil into starch-based edible film towards sustainable active packaging for chicken meat. Industrial Crops and Products. 2022;184:115058. DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115058
  30. 30. Araújo MNP, Grisi CVB, Duarte CR, Bastos de Almeida YM, Vinhas GM. Active packaging of corn starch with pectin extract and essential oil of Turmeric Longa Linn: Preparation, characterization and application in sliced bread. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2023;226:1352-1359. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.248
  31. 31. Espitia PJP, Soares DFF, Teófil RF, Coimbra JSR, Vitor DM, Batista RA, et al. Physical-mechanical and antimicrobial properties of nanocomposite films with pediocin and ZnO nanoparticles. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2013;94:199-208. DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.01.003
  32. 32. Dos Santos IP, Vitoria Galindob MAS, de Medeirosc J, Yamashitad F, Dutra Alvime I, Grossoa CRF, et al. Comparative study of the properties of soy protein concentrate films containing free and encapsulated oregano essential oil. Food Packaging and Shelf Life. 2019;22:100419. DOI: 10.1016/j.fpsl.2019.100419
  33. 33. Zanetti M, Carniel TK, DalcaCnton F, dos Anjos RS, Gracher Riella H, de Araújo PHH, et al. Use of encapsulated natural compounds as antimicrobial additives in food packaging. A brief review. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2018;81:51-60. DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2018.09.003
  34. 34. Bamidele OP, Emmambux MN. Encapsulation of bioactive compounds by “extrusion” technologies. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2021;61:3100-3118. DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1793724
  35. 35. Aloui H, Khwaldia K, Licciardello F, Mazzaglia A, Muratore G, Hamdi M, et al. Efficacy of the combined application of chitosan and locust bean gum with different citrus essential oils to control postharvest spoilage caused by Aspergillus flavus in dates. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2014;170:21-28. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2013.10.017
  36. 36. Khezerlou A, Jafari SM. Nanoencapsulated bioactive components for active food packaging. In: Handbook of Food Nanotechnology. 2020. pp. 493-532. DOI: 10.1016/ B978-0-12-815866-1.00013-3
  37. 37. Swain SS, Paidesetty SK, Padhy RN, Hussain T. Nano-technology platforms to increase the antibacterial drug suitability of essential oils: A drug prospective assessment. OpenNano. 2023;9:100115. DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2022.100115
  38. 38. Kapustová M, Granata G, Napoli E, Puškárová A, Bucková M, Pangallo D, et al. Nanoencapsulated essential oils with enhanced antifungal activity for potential application on agri-food, material and environmental fields. Antibiotics. 2021;10:31. DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010031
  39. 39. Reis DR, Ambrosi A, Luccioa MD. Encapsulated essential oils: A perspective in food preservation. Future Foods. 2022;5:100126. DOI: 10.1016/j.fufo.2022
  40. 40. Zhao Y, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Li. Advances in controllable release essential oil microcapsules and their promising applications. Molecules. 2023;28(13):4979. DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134979
  41. 41. Salvia-Trujillo L, Rojas-Graü A, Soliva-Fortuny R, Martín-Belloso O. Physicochemical characterization and antimicrobial activity of food-grade emulsions and nanoemulsions incorporating essential oils. Food Hydrocolloids. 2015;43:547-556. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2014.07.012
  42. 42. Fiore A, Park S, Volpe S, Torrieri E, Masi P. Active packaging based on PLA and chitosan-caseinate enriched rosemary essential oil coating for fresh minced chicken breast application. Food Packaging and Shelf Life. 2021;29:100708. DOI: 10.1016/j.fpsl.2021.100708
  43. 43. Talón E, Lampi A-M, Vargas M, Chiralt A, Jouppila K, González-Martínez C. Encapsulation of eugenol by spray-drying using whey protein isolate or lecithin: Release kinetics, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Food Chemistry. 2019;295:588-598. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.05.115
  44. 44. Ban Z, Zhang J, Li L, Luo Z, Wang Y, Yuan Q, et al. Ginger essential oil-based microencapsulation as an efficient delivery system for the improvement of Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) fruit quality. Food Chemistry. 2020;306:125628. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125628
  45. 45. Bušić A, Komes D, Belšćak-Cvitanovic A, Cebin AV, Špoljarić I, Mršić G, et al. The potential of combined emulsification and spray drying techniques for encapsulation of polyphenols from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves. Food Technology and Biotechnology. 2018;56(4):494-505. DOI: 10.17113/ftb.56.04.18.5680
  46. 46. Bao H, Ding HH, Charles APR, Hui D, Rakshit S, Nahashon S, et al. Application of yellow mustard mucilage in encapsulation of essential oils and polyphenols using spray drying. Food Hydrocolloids. 2023;143:108815. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2023.108815
  47. 47. Zhang Y, Yang S, Hardie WJ, Li X, Xiao M, Huang T, et al. Microcapsules of a cinnamon, peppermint, and lemon essential oil mix by spray: Preparation, characterization and antibacterial functions. Food Hydrocolloids. 2023;145:109103. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2023.109103
  48. 48. Sheu TY, Rosengerg M. Microstructure of microcapsules consisting of whey proteins and carbohydrates. Food Science. 1998;63:491-494 10.1111/j.1365-2621.1998.tb15770.x
  49. 49. Alam MS, Kaur J, Khaira H, Gupta K. Extrusion and extruded products: Changes in quality attributes as affected by extrusion process parameters: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2016;56(3):445-473. DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2013. 779568
  50. 50. Wen P, Zhu DH, Wu H, Zong MH, Jing YR, Han SY. Encapsulation of cinnamon essential oil in electrospun nanofibrous film for active food packaging. Food Control. 2016;59:366-376. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.06.005
  51. 51. Vega-Lugo AC, Lim L-T. Controlled release of allyl isothiocyanate using soy protein and poly(lactic acid) electrospun fibers. Food Research International. 2009;41:933-940. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2009.05.005
  52. 52. Heckert Bastos LP, Vicente J, Corrêa dos Santos CH, Geraldo de Carvalho M, Garcia-Rojas EE. Encapsulation of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) essential oil with gelatin and sodium alginate by complex coacervation. Food Hydrocolloids. 2019;102:105605. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2019.105605
  53. 53. Plati F, Paraskevopoulou A. Hemp protein isolate-gum Arabic complex coacervates as a means for oregano essential oil encapsulation. Comparison with whey protein isolate-gum Arabic system. Food Hydrocolloids. 2023;136:108284. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2022.108284
  54. 54. Muhoza B, Xia S, Zhang X. Gelatin and high methyl pectin coacervates crosslinked with tannic acid: The characterization, rheological properties, and application for peppermint oil microencapsulation. Food Hydrocolloids. 2019;97:105174. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd. 2019.105174
  55. 55. Silva F, Caldera F, Trotta F, Nerín C, Domingues FC. Encapsulation of coriander essential oil in cyclodextrin nanosponges: A new strategy to promote its use in controlled-release active packaging. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technology. 2019;56:102177. DOI: 10.1016/j.ifset.2019.102177
  56. 56. Narayanan G, Shen J, Matai I, Sachde A, Boy R, Tonelli AE. Cyclodextrin-based nanostructures. Progress in Materials Science. 2022;124:100869. DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2021.100869
  57. 57. Rajkumar V, Gunasekaran C, Paul A, Dharmaraj J. Development of encapsulated peppermint essential oil in chitosan nanoparticles: Characterization and biological efficacy against stored-grain pest control. Pestcide Biochemistry and Physiology. 2020;170:104679. DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104679
  58. 58. Odjo K, Al-Maqtari QA, Yu H, Xie Y, Guo Y, Li M, et al. Preparation and characterization of chitosan-based antimicrobial filmscontaining encapsulated lemon essential oil by ionic gelationand cranberry juice. Food Chemistry. 2022;397(15):133781. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.133781
  59. 59. Yeo Y, Park K. Control of encapsulation efficiency and initial burst in polymeric microparticle systems. Archives of Pharmacal Research. 2004;27:1-12. DOI: 10.1007/BF02980037
  60. 60. Sharma M, Gupta N, Soni R, Gautam A, Reddy KR, Sharma S, et al. Recent advances in polymeric and solid lipid–based nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery. Nanomaterials in Diagnostic Tools and Devices. 2020;2020:131-158. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-817923-9.00005-5
  61. 61. Jovanović J, Krnjajić S, Ćirković J, Radojković A, Popović T, Branković G, et al. Effect of encapsulated lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus L.) essential oil against potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella. Crop Protection. 2020;132:105109. DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105109
  62. 62. Wrona M, Silva F, Salafranca J, Nerín C, Jose Alfonso M, Caballero MA. Design of new natural antioxidant active packaging: Screening flowsheet from pure essential oils and vegetable oils to ex vivo testing in meat samples. Food Control. 2021;120:107536. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.10753
  63. 63. Ansarifar E, Moradinezhad F. Preservation of strawberry fruit quality via the use of active packaging with encapsulated thyme essential oil in zein nanofiber film. International Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2021;56:4239-4247. DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.15130
  64. 64. Gonelimali FD, Lin J, Miao W, Xuan J, Charles F, Chen M, et al. Antimicrobial properties and mechanism of action of some plant extracts against food pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2018;9:1639. DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01639
  65. 65. Wu J, Sun X, Guo X, Ge S, Zhang Q. Physicochemical properties, antimicrobial activity and oil release of fish gelatin films incorporated with cinnamon essential oil. Aquaculture and Fisheries. 2017;2(4):185-192. DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2017.06.004
  66. 66. Ghabraie M, Dang VK, Tata L, Salmieri S, Lacroix M. Antimicrobial effect of essential oils in combinations against five bacteria and their effect on sensorial quality of ground meat. LWT—Food Science and Technology. 2016;66:332-339. DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2015.10.055
  67. 67. Alsherbiny MA, Abd-Elsalam WH, El Badawy SA, Taher E, Fares M, Torres A, et al. Ameliorative and protective effects of ginger and its main constituents against natural, chemical and radiation-induced toxicities: A comprehensive review. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2019;123:72-97. DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.10.048
  68. 68. Nazzaro F, Fratianni F, De Martino L, Coppola R, De Feo V. Effect of essential oils on pathogenic bacteria. Pharmaceuticals. 2013;6(12):1451-1474. DOI: 10.3390/ph6121451
  69. 69. Lopez-Romero JC, Gonzalez-Ríos H, Borges A, Simoes M. Antibacterial effects and mode of action of selected essential oils components against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:795435. DOI: 10.1155/2015/795435
  70. 70. Uz M, Altinkaya SA. Development of mono and multilayer antimicrobial food packaging materials for controlled release of potassium sorbate. LWT Food Science and Technology. 2011;44:2302-2309. DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2011.05.003
  71. 71. Quintavalla S, Vicini L. Antimicrobial food packaging in meat industry. Meat Science. 2002;62:373-380. DOI: 10.1016/s0309-1740(02)00121-3
  72. 72. Souza AC, Goto GEO, Mainardi JA, Coelho ACV, Tadini CC. Cassava starch composite films incorporated with cinnamon essential oil: Antimicrobial activity, microstructure, mechanical and barrier properties. LWT—Food Science and Technology. 2013;54:346-352. DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2013.06.017
  73. 73. Hadidia M, Pouraminb S, Adinepourc F, Haghanib S, Jafaric SM. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with clove essential oil: Characterization, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2020;236:116075. DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116075
  74. 74. Seydim AC, Sarikus-Tutal G, Sogut E. Effect of whey protein edible films containing plant essential oils on microbial inactivation of sliced Kasar cheese. Food Packaging and Shelf Life. 2020;26:100567. DOI: 10.1016/j.fpsl.2020.100567
  75. 75. Zhang Y, Zhou L, Zhang C, Show PL, Du A, Fu JC, et al. Preparation and characterization of curdlan/polyvinyl alcohol/thyme essential oil blending film and its application to chilled meat preservation. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2020;247:116670. DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116670
  76. 76. Rech CR, Brabes KCS, Silva BEB, Martines MAU, Silveira TFS, Alberton J, et al. Antimicrobial and physical–mechanical properties of polyhydroxybutyrate edible films containing essential oil mixtures. Journal of Polymers and the Environment. 2021;29:1202-1211. DOI: 10.1007/s10924-020-01943-0
  77. 77. Tao R, Sedman J, Ismail A. Antimicrobial activity of various essential oils and their application in active packaging of frozen vegetable products. Food Chemistry. 2021;360:129956. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129956
  78. 78. Kurtfaki M, Yalcin MY. Characterization of Laurus nobilis L. leaf essential oil incorporated maize starch and rice protein films. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization. 2023;78:4954-4962. DOI: 10.1007/s11694-023-02013-4
  79. 79. Jafari R, Zandi M, Ganjloo A. Characterization of alginate-Gelatin edible film containing Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oil. Journal of Polymers and the Environment. 2023;31:1568-1583. DOI: 10.1007/s10924-022-02707-8
  80. 80. Shahidi F, Ambigaipalan P. Phenolics and polyphenolics in foods, beverages and spices: Antioxidant activity and health effects. Journal of Functional Foods. 2015;18:820-897. DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2015.06.018
  81. 81. Amorati R, Foti MC, Valgimigli L. Antioxidant activity of essential oils. Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry. 2013;61:10835-10847. DOI: 10.1021/jf403496k
  82. 82. Atarés L, Chiralt A. Essential oils as additives in biodegradable films and coatings for active food packaging. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 2016;48:51-62. DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2015.12.001
  83. 83. European Commission. Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Reduction of the Impact of Certain Plastic Products on the Environment. Brussels, Belgium: European Commission; 2018. Available from: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:4d0542a2-6256-11e8-ab9c-01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/DOC_1&format=PDF
  84. 84. Carpena M, Nuñez-Estevez B, Lopez AS, Oliveira PG, Prieto MA. Essential oils and their application on active packaging systems. Resources. 2021;10:7. DOI: 10.3390/resources10010007
  85. 85. Manessis G, Kalogianni AI, Lazou T, Moschovas M, Bossis I, Gelasakis AI. Plant derived natural antioxidants in meat and meat products. Antioxidants. 2020;9(12):1215. DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121215
  86. 86. Shu Q, Niu YW, Zhao WJ, Chen QH. Antibacterial activity and mannosylerythritol lipids against vegetative cells and spores of Bacillus cereus. Food Control. 2019;106:106711. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.106711
  87. 87. Foti M. Antioxidant properties of phenols. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2007;59:1673-1685. DOI: 10.1211/jpp.59.12.0010
  88. 88. Amjadi S, Almasi H, Ghadertaj A, Mehryar L. Whey protein isolate-based films incorporated with nanoemulsions of orange peel (Citrus sinensis) essential oil: Preparation and characterization. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation. 2021;45(2):e15196. DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.15196
  89. 89. Kulisic T, Radonic A, Milos M. Inhibition of lard oxidation by fractions of different essential oils. Grasas y Aceites. 2005;56:284-291. DOI: 10.3989/gya.2005.v56.i4.94
  90. 90. European Parliament and the council of 16 December 2008 Union. Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union. 2008;34:67-84
  91. 91. European Commission. Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on flavourings and certain food ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods and amending Council Regulation. (EC) No 110/2008 and Directive 2000/13/EC. Official Journal of the European Union. 2008;354:34-49
  92. 92. Alparslan Y, Yapici HH, Metin C, Baygar T, Günlü A, Baygar T. Quality assessment of shrimps preserved with orange leaf essential oil incorporated gelatin. LWT- Food Science and Technology. 2016;72:457-466. DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2016.04.066
  93. 93. Dastgerdi GF, Goli SAH, Kadivar M. A new antioxidant active film based on HDPE and peppermint essential oil for packaging soybean oil. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. 2016;93:657-664. DOI: 10.1007/s11746-016-2806-9
  94. 94. Contini LRF, Zerlotini TS, Brazoli IF, dos Santos JWS, Silva MF, Lopes PS, et al. Antioxidant chitosan film containing lemongrass essential oil as active packaging for chicken patties. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation. 2021;46:e16136. DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.16136
  95. 95. De Andrade MF, Silva MG, Silva IDL, Caetano VF, Filho LEPTM, Vinhas GM, et al. Pepper-rosmarin essential oil (Lippia sidoides Cham.) as an antioxidant additive for PBAT – poly (butylene adipate coterephthalate) films and its application for active packaging. International Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2022;57:5966-5972. DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.15931
  96. 96. Aguilar VM, Juárez MGP, Sanchez PCC, Zamora LL, Alvarado ED, Castañeda EG, et al. Evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of SiO2 modified with cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum Verum) for its use as a nanofiller in active packaging PLA films. Antioxidants. 2023;12:1090. DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051090

Written By

Imen Dridi, Ahmed Landoulsi and Nadia Smirani

Submitted: 20 August 2023 Reviewed: 30 August 2023 Published: 06 November 2023