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Biobased and Biodegradable Packaging Materials: Preparation, Characterization and Application in...
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Biobased and Biodegradable Packaging Materials: Preparation, Characterization and Application in the Food Industry

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Packaging and Preservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 5543

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ana Elizabeth Cavalcante Fai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Basic and Experimental Nutrition, Institute of Nutrition, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Interests: food science; biomaterials; biodegradable films and coatings; 3D food printing; green bioprocesses; antimicrobial compounds; food waste and agroindustrial byproducts; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Bianca Chieregato Maniglia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Av Trabalhador São Carlense, 400, São Carlos 13566-590, SP, Brazil
Interests: biopolymers; hydrogels; 3D printing; 3D bioprinting; biomaterials; 3D-printed food; membranes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The ideal packaging materials for food are recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. Their main function is to protect food from environmental influences, ensure its safety, maintain its quality and extend its shelf life, thus reducing food loss and waste. Packaging also facilitates transportation and storage, provides important consumer information and supports product marketing.

Biobased and biodegradable food packaging has gained attention as a viable alternative to petrochemical materials, particularly for single-use applications, driven by growing environmental concerns and the demand for sustainable solutions. This is the focus of this Special Issue and we invite contributions on innovative materials and technologies in this area of research.

This Special Issue highlights key advances in biobased and biodegradable packaging materials, including their production, characterization and application in the food industry. It includes research and review studies on the production, characterization and use of materials such as films, labels, foams and coatings; the development of active and intelligent films for food applications; and the biodegradation and biodisintegration of these materials.

We hope that these contributions will enrich the ongoing scientific debate on biobased and biodegradable packaging materials.

Dr. Ana Elizabeth Cavalcante Fai
Prof. Dr. Bianca Chieregato Maniglia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biobased materials
  • biodegradable polymers
  • film
  • coating
  • foams
  • biobased packaging
  • food packaging
  • edible packaging
  • active and intelligent packaging
  • smart tags

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 5440 KB  
Article
Development and Characterization of Films Containing Sichuan Pepper Extract to Extend the Shelf Life of Refrigerated Beef Patties
by Inés Mus-León, María Muñoz-Núñez, Juliana Villasante, Idoia Codina-Torrella and María Pilar Almajano
Foods 2025, 14(19), 3335; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14193335 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 467
Abstract
This study explores innovative approaches for sustainable food preservation by incorporating Sichuan pepper extract into biodegradable gelatin and alginate films. In response to growing environmental and health concerns, these natural polymers offer alternatives to petroleum-based plastics and synthetic additives. The aim of this [...] Read more.
This study explores innovative approaches for sustainable food preservation by incorporating Sichuan pepper extract into biodegradable gelatin and alginate films. In response to growing environmental and health concerns, these natural polymers offer alternatives to petroleum-based plastics and synthetic additives. The aim of this study was to compare films made from gelatin and alginate and containing Sichuan pepper extract (2.5 and 5%) and to evaluate their effectiveness in extending the shelf life of refrigerated beef patties. Scavenging activity and polyphenol content of the extract were evaluated by DPPH (4.70 µmol TE/mL), ABTS (4.03 µmol TE/mL), and Folin–Ciocalteu assays (2.35 mg GAE/mL). In addition, the physical characteristics of the films were also assessed. Film characterization showed that gelatin-based films had greater stiffness (water-based alginate film; 1156 MPa), which diminished with increased extract content (5% extract-based alginate film: 215.5 MPa), and surface homogeneity also declined with higher extract content. However, higher concentrations of the extract (5%) improved optical properties such as UV protection and opacity. Preservation tests performed on beef patties revealed that the films with the extract could significantly reduce lipid oxidation, with lower TBARS values observed in samples covered with these films. Nevertheless, no significant differences were detected between films with the extract. Moreover, samples without the extract were the most oxidized, proving that the film without the extract had no protective effect against oxidation. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of Sichuan pepper as a natural ingredient and highlight the promise of biodegradable films as an effective and eco-friendly strategy for meat product packaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Packaging Materials: Preparation, Characterization and Application in the Food Industry)
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21 pages, 3531 KB  
Article
Preservation of Anthocyanins in Postharvest Grapes Through Carboxymethyl Chitosan Films Containing Citrus Essential Oil Emulsion via Enzymatic Regulation
by Xinye Wu, Haiying Wang, Yuan Zhou, Wei Xi, Yiqin Zhang, Shanshan Li, Jiaying Tang, Suqing Li, Qing Zhang, Yaowen Liu, Jingming Li, Mingrui Chen and Wen Qin
Foods 2025, 14(12), 2015; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14122015 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 705
Abstract
Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) exhibits excellent film-forming capability but suffers from limited water resistance. To enhance hydrophobicity and antimicrobial properties, citrus essential oil was emulsified directly with citrus pectin and dispersed into the CMCS matrix. This study investigated the effects of varying emulsion concentrations [...] Read more.
Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) exhibits excellent film-forming capability but suffers from limited water resistance. To enhance hydrophobicity and antimicrobial properties, citrus essential oil was emulsified directly with citrus pectin and dispersed into the CMCS matrix. This study investigated the effects of varying emulsion concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%) on film performance. FT-IR, XRD, and SEM analyses confirmed uniform emulsion distribution within the CMCS matrix with favorable compatibility. Increased emulsion loading improved water resistance, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial efficacy of the CMCS-based films, with the 3% emulsion concentration achieving optimal mechanical strength (TS: 4.09 MPa, EAB: 144.47%) and water vapor permeability (1.30 × 10−10 g·m·(Pa·s·m2)−1). Applied to grape preservation, the films significantly delayed quality deterioration of grapes. Furthermore, by modulating the activity of enzymes involved in anthocyanin metabolism, the films could effectively extend the shelf life of grapes by suppressing the oxidative degradation of anthocyanins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Packaging Materials: Preparation, Characterization and Application in the Food Industry)
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18 pages, 14439 KB  
Article
Preparation, Physicochemical Properties, Biological Activity of a Multifunctional Composite Film Based on Zein/Citric Acid Loaded with Grape Seed Extract and Its Application in Solid Lipid Packaging
by Ning Wang, Jiaxin Wei, Cuntang Wang and Jian Ren
Foods 2025, 14(10), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14101698 - 11 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 894
Abstract
Development of bio-based active packaging systems for lipid stabilization presents critical importance in preserving lipid integrity and ensuring food safety. Zein/citric acid (Z/CA) composite films containing grape seed ethanol extract (GSEE) (0–8% w/w) were prepared by the solvent casting method. The structural, [...] Read more.
Development of bio-based active packaging systems for lipid stabilization presents critical importance in preserving lipid integrity and ensuring food safety. Zein/citric acid (Z/CA) composite films containing grape seed ethanol extract (GSEE) (0–8% w/w) were prepared by the solvent casting method. The structural, functional, and environmental properties of the films, including physical and chemical properties, mechanical properties, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activity, oxidation inhibition effect, and biodegradability, were comprehensively characterized and evaluated. Progressive GSEE enrichment significantly enhanced film thickness (p < 0.05), hydrophobicity, and total phenolic content, while increasing water vapor permeability by 61.29%. Antioxidant capacity demonstrated radical scavenging enhancements of 83.75% (DPPH) and 89.33% (ABTS) at maximal GSEE loading compared to control films. Mechanical parameters exhibited inverse proportionality to GSEE concentration, with tensile strength and elongation at break decreasing by 28.13% and 59.43%, respectively. SEM microstructural analysis revealed concentration-dependent increases in surface asperity and cross-sectional phase heterogeneity. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated selective bacteriostatic effects against Gram-negative pathogens. Notably, the composite film containing 6 wt% GSEE had a remarkable restraining effect on the oxidation of lard. The soil degradation experiment has confirmed that the Z/CA/GSEE composite film can achieve obvious degradation within 28 days. The above results indicate that the Z/CA/GSEE composite material emerges as a promising candidate for sustainable active food packaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Packaging Materials: Preparation, Characterization and Application in the Food Industry)
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13 pages, 2460 KB  
Article
Sustainable Absorbent Pads from Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate/Thermoplastic Starch Films Combined with Hairy Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Powder to Enhance Meat Shelf Life
by Fuengnapha Khunta, Korakot Charoensri, Rineta Pertiwi Nurhadi, Nattinee Bumbudsanpharoke, Pontree Itkor, Youn-Suk Lee and Athip Boonsiriwit
Foods 2025, 14(9), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14091525 - 26 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 818
Abstract
This research developed a biodegradable absorbent pad using polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) films, combined with hairy basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed powder (HBP) to extend the shelf life of fresh pork during cold storage. To form the biocomposite [...] Read more.
This research developed a biodegradable absorbent pad using polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) films, combined with hairy basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed powder (HBP) to extend the shelf life of fresh pork during cold storage. To form the biocomposite film, PBAT was blended with TPS in ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 70:30, and 50:50. The PBAT:TPS ratio of 70:30 (PB7T3) was the most suitable in terms of mechanical properties and water permeation. Therefore, PB7T3 was selected to fabricate the absorbent pad for extending the shelf life of fresh pork during cold storage. For the storage test, 100 g of pork pieces was placed in PET trays (12 cm × 12 cm), each containing a different absorbent: the control (no pad), a commercial absorbent pad, and the PB7T3 absorbent pad. The pork samples were stored at 4 °C for 8 days and analyzed for color change, total plate count (TPC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), pH, and drip loss on days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. The results indicated that the PB7T3 absorbent pad effectively extended the shelf life of fresh pork compared to the control, with no significant difference compared to the commercial absorbent pad made from plastic. This research opens new avenues for developing sustainable absorbent pads, contributing to reduced reliance on conventional non-biodegradable plastics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Packaging Materials: Preparation, Characterization and Application in the Food Industry)
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Review

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15 pages, 1650 KB  
Review
Policy Gaps and Opportunities in Bio-Based Plastics: Implications for Sustainable Food Packaging
by Walter Leal Filho, Jelena Barbir, Madhavi Venkatesan, Amanda Lange Salvia, Andrea Dobri, Neda Bošković, João Henrique Paulino Pires Eustachio, Ian Ingram and Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis
Foods 2025, 14(11), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14111955 - 30 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2166
Abstract
The increasing use of bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics reflects a global push towards more sustainable materials. In the context of food packaging, where plastic waste and contamination risks are acute, these materials offer promising alternatives. However, the transition is complex, requiring coordinated regulatory [...] Read more.
The increasing use of bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics reflects a global push towards more sustainable materials. In the context of food packaging, where plastic waste and contamination risks are acute, these materials offer promising alternatives. However, the transition is complex, requiring coordinated regulatory interventions and lifecycle assessments (LCA) to avoid unintended environmental and health consequences. This paper outlines the pressing need for policies that guide the development and deployment of bio-based plastics in food-related applications. It provides a policy-oriented synthesis focused on Europe and discusses recent concerns such as toxicity, end-of-life impacts, and food safety. The study draws from the literature review and regulatory analysis to suggest policy mechanisms that can accelerate safe, circular solutions in food packaging. Methodologically, this communication uses qualitative synthesis of scientific and regulatory data to assess gaps and align innovations with sustainability targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased and Biodegradable Packaging Materials: Preparation, Characterization and Application in the Food Industry)
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