The development of active packaging films and edible coatings based on biopolymers and natural bioactive substances has received increasing attention in recent years. Propolis, also called bee glue, is a natural resin substance collected by worker-bees from the mucilage, gum, and resin of several plants. In food industry, propolis is commonly extracted in solvents to afford polyphenol-rich extract with potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The prepared propolis extract can be mixed with biopolymers, plasticizers, emulsifiers, and reinforcing agents to develop active packaging films and edible coatings. The functionality of active packaging films and edible coatings is closely related to the type, harvesting method, geographic origin, extraction method and extraction conditions of propolis, the content and composition of polyphenolic compounds in the extract, and the presence of other bioactive substances. Active packaging films and edible coatings based on propolis extract can impact the physical, biochemical, and sensory properties of food (e.g., fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish) during storage. This review focuses on the recent advances of active packaging films and edible coatings based on polyphenol-rich propolis extract. The impact of polyphenol-rich propolis extract on the structural characterization, functionality, and potential food applications of the films and edible coatings is summarized.
Keywords: active packaging films; application; edible coatings; functional property; physical property; propolis extract.
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