Recent advances in plant protein-based edible coatings for shelf-life enhancement of perishable and high nutritive value foods - A Review

Plant protein (PP) based edible coating as a sustainable approach has attracted the global industry in the evolving landscape of active food packaging for shelf life (SL) and nutritional enhancement of foods. This critical review intends to offer a comprehensive overview of PPs as edible coatings for preserving the quality of perishable and highly nutritive foods. It explores the unique advantages of using various sources of PPs and their ability to act as mechanical, water vapor, gas, and microbial barriers. When combined with other additives (i.e., polysaccharides, lipids, antioxidants, antimicrobials, etc) these PPs also demonstrate superior hydrophobicity, higher barrier, and mechanical properties. This critical review also covers the combination of nanotechnology, non-thermal technologies, probiotics, and other advancements with PP-based edible coatings to preserve and ensure the safety and quality of foods throughout the storage period. Furthermore, the economic and safety perspectives of PP-based edible coatings are discussed to address the regulatory, consumer, and industrial concerns, so that better exploration of the above technologies can aid in combatting the food safety and security issues.