Marlene J. Cran1, Stephen W. Bigger2
1Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 1First Year College, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Correspondence: Marlene J. Cran, marlene.cran@vu.edu.au
Seaweed-based polysaccharides are extracted from a wide range of seaweed species and include alginate, agar, and carrageenan. These materials are highly versatile and can be utilised in numerous industries such as the pharmaceutical and food processing industries. The facile film-forming ability of the polysaccharides is conducive to the development of coatings and thin films for food packaging applications. In the area of coatings, seaweed biopolymers can be applied directly to fresh produce to extend the shelf-life by various mechanisms. Coatings derived from seaweed biopolymers can also be applied to paper-based packaging to create hydrophobic surfaces designed to replace conventional petroleum-based plastic coatings. Films derived from seaweed biopolymers are a major growth area in the field of food packaging materials. However, since these polymers are naturally hydrophilic, they exhibit limitations related to their barrier and mechanical properties. Recent developments in this area include the addition of nanoclays, nanocellulose, and carbon nanotubes to improve the overall film properties. Other films are incorporated with additives such as nanosilver and natural extracts to impart antimicrobial and antioxidant activity to extend the shelf-life of packaged foods. This presentation will provide an overview of recent developments in the use of seaweed biopolymers in the field of coatings and films for food packaging with an outlook on future trends and growth potential.