Insight Into the Recent Advances in the Development of Antimicrobial Edible Films for Food Packaging

ABSTRACT Food packaging plays a crucial role in preserving food and extending shelf life. Traditionally, packaging materials have been derived from petroleum‐based polymers. However, growing concerns regarding the environmental impact and health risks of synthetic materials have underscored the need for sustainable, biodegradable and renewable alternatives. Edible films, made from naturally sourced biopolymers such as polysaccharides and proteins, offer a promising solution to replace synthetic plastics. Extensive research has been conducted to explore the full potential of edible films, particularly focusing on their integration with bioactive polymers and essential oils as antimicrobial agents. This review synthesizes the findings of previous studies, examining the properties, applications and benefits of these bioactive films in food packaging. It further discusses the antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oils, their role in enhancing the functionality of edible films and the future challenges and prospects of this emerging field. This article aims to provide valuable insights for researchers working on the development of sustainable food packaging solutions.