Abstract:
Accumulation of non-biodegradable plastics has adversely affected the environment. Hence, there is a need of promoting
biodegradable polymer packages as substitutes for non-biodegradable plastic packages. Various studies have focused on
utilisation of seaweed-derived polysaccharides in the development of coatings and films because of their renewability and
sustainability for food packaging. Alginate, agar, and carrageenan are seaweed-derived polysaccharides that are widely used
in the development of coatings and films due to their gelling ability. Alginates are mainly extracted from brown algae. Agar
and Carrageenan are extracted from certain types of red algae. These developed coatings could be successfully utilized to
extend the shelf life and maintain proper quality parameters of food during the shelf life. Films can be used to partially replace
non-biodegradable polymer packages found in the market. Thus, the article reviews the basic information and applications
of edible coatings and films from seaweed-derived polysaccharides in the food industry.
