A Review on the Mechanical, Barrier, Antimicrobial, and Optical Properties of Chitosan-Based Films in Bio-Based Packaging

Document Type : Scientific Paper

Authors

1 PhD, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Wood and Cellulose Products Industries, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Iran

Abstract

The increasing interest in biopolymers is driven by the depletion of fossil fuel resources and the environmental impact of non-biodegradable plastic waste accumulation. Many biopolymers are derived from food waste to not only reduce waste generation but also develop novel packaging materials for the food industry. Chitosan has emerged as a prominent alternative to synthetic polymers and a fundamental material for innovative packaging solutions. Evaluating the suitability of a material for food packaging applications necessitates the assessment of its mechanical properties and permeability. Mechanical properties are crucial in determining the performance of films during transportation, handling, and storage of packaged food products, whereas barrier properties play a significant role in preserving product quality. Pure chitosan films exhibit favorable mechanical and barrier properties, making them suitable for food packaging and active packaging applications. Additionally, chitosan possesses strong antimicrobial activity against a wide range of filamentous fungi, yeasts, and both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The combination of its antimicrobial properties and film-forming capability has positioned chitosan as a key candidate for the development of active packaging systems that can inhibit microbial growth and enhance food safety. From an optical perspective, pure chitosan films demonstrate high transparency in the visible region, which enhances their consumer acceptance. Furthermore, these films exhibit significant UV absorption, thereby protecting food products from UV-induced lipid oxidation and contributing to prolonged food quality retention.
 

Keywords

Main Subjects


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Volume 16, Issue 62 - Serial Number 62
Serial number 62 summer 2025
September 2025
Pages 59-71
  • Receive Date: 18 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 09 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 11 September 2025
  • Publish Date: 21 September 2025