Seaweed derived alginate, agar, and carrageenan based edible coatings and films for the food industry: a review

Abstract

Accumulation of non-biodegradable plastics has adversely affected the environment. Hence, there is a need of promoting biodegradable polymer packages as substitutes for non-biodegradable plastic packages. Various studies have focused on utilisation of seaweed-derived polysaccharides in the development of coatings and films because of their renewability and sustainability for food packaging. Alginate, agar, and carrageenan are seaweed-derived polysaccharides that are widely used in the development of coatings and films due to their gelling ability. Alginates are mainly extracted from brown algae. Agar and Carrageenan are extracted from certain types of red algae. These developed coatings could be successfully utilized to extend the shelf life and maintain proper quality parameters of food during the shelf life. Films can be used to partially replace non-biodegradable polymer packages found in the market. Thus, the article reviews the basic information and applications of edible coatings and films from seaweed-derived polysaccharides in the food industry.