Antioxidant incorporated biopolymer composites for active packaging

Abstract Lipid oxidation is one of the main reasons for food deterioration. The oxidation of lipids in the foodstuff is mainly due to the high degree of unsaturated fatty acids, which can be attacked by oxygen free radical and results in the development of off-flavors, rancidity. To reduce lipid oxidation, several strategies have been introduced such as the direct addition of antioxidants to foods or design suitable packaging materials. Food packaging must protect food materials from spoilage, contamination, pest attack and damage during storage and transportation. Active packaging plays an important role by proposing various solutions for extending shelf life, safety, and quality of packed food. The antioxidants’ active packaging helps to reduce lipid oxidation of foodstuffs by scavenging oxygen free radicals. In the current scenario, bionanocomposite films with natural antioxidants are used as packaging materials in the food packaging industry.