Polysaccharide: A biodegradable biopolymer for edible films and coating

Polysaccharides including starch, cellulose, chitosan, alginate, and pectin, offer excellent film-forming capabilities, barrier properties, and idealising them for packaging food. These polysaccharides, as natural biopolymers, have gained significant attention in the development of biodegradable edible films and coatings due to their sustainability, biocompatibility, and functional properties. Edible films and coatings based on polysaccharides extend shelf life, reduce reliance on synthetic plastic packaging, and enhance addressing environmental concerns. These are bigger challenges, such as brittleness and limited moisture resistance that necessitate the incorporation of plasticizers, crosslinkers, or blends with other biopolymers to enhance performance. This review is an attempt to express the structural properties, functionalities, and applications of polysaccharide-based edible films and coatings, emphasizing their potential in sustainable food packaging solutions.