Silk fibroin-based films in food packaging applications: A review

Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2022 May;21(3):2253-2273. doi: 10.1111/1541-4337.12939. Epub 2022 Apr 17.

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a significant concern nowadays due to wastes generated from non-biodegradable and non-renewable synthetic materials. In particular, most plastic food packaging material ends up in landfills, creating mass wastes that clog the drainage system and pollute the ocean. Thus, studies on various biopolymers have been promoted to replace synthetic polymers in food packaging and consequently, the high number of research in biopolymers food packaging, especially in the characterization, properties and also the development of the biopolymer. For biopolymer-based food packaging, silk fibroin (SF) has been highlighted because of its biodegradability and low water vapor permeability properties. This review focuses on the different properties of SF films prepared through solution casting and electrospinning for food packaging. Discussions encompassed chemical properties, mechanical properties, permeability, and biodegradability. This review also discussed the studies that used SF as the biomaterial for food packaging.

Keywords: chemical properties; film; food packaging; mechanical properties; silk fibroin.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biopolymers / chemistry
  • Fibroins* / chemistry
  • Food Packaging
  • Plastics

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Biopolymers
  • Plastics
  • Fibroins