Chia seed mucilage-based edible packaging enhanced with Piper betle bioactives: composition, fabrication, functional and safety perspectives

Purpose This study aims to synthesize current knowledge on chia seed mucilage (CSM)-based edible packaging enriched with Piper betle bioactives, emphasizing composition, fabrication, functional performance, bioactivity, safety and prospects for sustainable food packaging applications. Design/methodology/approach This systematic narrative review was conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) principles. Literature published between 2010 and 2025 was retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar. Peer reviewed studies on CSM, Piper betle bioactives and edible packaging were screened, duplicates removed and full texts assessed. Approximately 85 relevant studies were retained and 45 studies were included for qualitative synthesis of composition, fabrication, functionality, antimicrobial activity and safety. Findings The study demonstrates that CSM enriched with Piper betle bioactives offers strong potential for biodegradable, edible and functional food packaging. The combination provides film-forming, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that may enhance food safety, reduce spoilage and extend shelf life while decreasing reliance on petroleum-based plastics. Its societal benefits include waste reduction, sustainable food preservation and safer packaging alternatives within circular bioeconomy systems. However, raw-material variability, scalability, sensory acceptance, stability, safety and regulatory requirements remain barriers. Future research on green extraction, controlled bioactive release, toxicological safety, consumer acceptance, industrial production and life-cycle assessment could accelerate commercialization and societal adoption. Research limitations/implications Limited long-term data on stability, safety, bioactive release, sensory acceptance and scalability necessitate standardized in vivo, sensory and commercialization-focused studies. Originality/value This review advances a holistic perspective on chia mucilage–Piper betle bioactive packaging, integrating material design, fabrication, functionality, safety, sustainability, technological barriers and emerging opportunities for next-generation edible packaging.