*4.2. Applications of Hemicellulose*

Hemicellulose is usually used in edible packaging as films, coatings, or modifying additives, which is like cellulose (Table 4). Taking KGM as an example, Yan et al. [170] introduced pullulan into the KGM matrix to cast edible composite films for strawberry preservation. They showed that the mechanical and barrier properties of the composite films were markedly enhanced because of the intermolecular interaction between KGM and pullulan; 1% (*w*/*v*) KGM/pullulan (with a mass ratio of 2:1) composite film significantly decreased the weight loss and maintained the titratable acidity, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and skin color on strawberry preservation, thus slowing fruit aging, improving the quality during storage, and extending their shelf life to 14 days. Hashemi et al. [174] blended saffron petal extract with a KGM matrix to cast edible complex films, while coating fresh-cut cucumbers (as shown in Figure 3). The results indicated that saffron petal extracts markedly improved the transparency and moisture content of the complex films, reduced their WVP, and even endowed them with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial

properties. Furthermore, this composite coating reduced mesophilic bacterial and fungal populations during cucumber storage (in which 4% extracts were considered as the most effective additives), improved the soluble solids content, antioxidant activity, and soluble phenols of coated sliced cucumbers, thus decreasing their spoilage, maintaining their quality features, and prolonging their shelf lives. Wang et al. [18] introduced zein into KGM matrix by electrospinning to form stable homogeneous nanofibril films, which the hydrophobicity was improved (SWCA of the composite film increased from 7.5◦ to 57.5◦). Furthermore, they added curcumin into the above nanofibers to form a functional nanofilm with advanced antioxidant (scavenging activity increased about 15%) and antibacterial (a large inhibitory zone of 12–20 mm for *E. coli* and *S. aureus*) activities, as well as better thermal stability, water resistance and tensile strength.
