Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Food Packaging and Shelf Life, cilt.53, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
The increasing consumer demand for natural and clean label food products is significantly reshaping preservation strategies, with antimicrobial active packaging emerging as a key solution. Unlike conventional packaging methods, antimicrobial packaging actively interacts with food to extend shelf life and improve safety, minimizing the need for direct synthetic additives. This review offers an examination of plant-based antimicrobials, focusing on recent advancements, and exploring how advanced packaging solutions optimize their efficacy. A range of plant-based antimicrobial compounds, including essential oils, plant extracts, and antimicrobial peptides are detailed and the inherent challenges associated with their direct application, such as volatility or sensory impacts are discussed. Subsequently, the manuscript presents advanced diverse incorporation techniques specifically developed to address these limitations and enable the controlled, sustained release of these antimicrobials. These methods include but are not limited to edible films, extrusion processes, surface coatings, electrospun nano/microfibers, etc. A key focus is on how combining these strategies can significantly improve the overall antimicrobial effectiveness through synergistic interactions. Also, a comparative critical assessment has been performed to determine the current challenges regarding incorporation methods and natural active compounds. Further investigations into the complex interrelations among active compounds, their mechanisms in different food environments, packaging materials, and food matrices are crucial for advancing practical applications. Additionally, aspects of industrial scaling, economic viability, and comprehensive safety assessments require thorough investigations. Progress in these areas is fundamental for allowing regulatory bodies and industries to adopt sustainable and highly effective active antimicrobial packaging solutions.