Progress in release-activated food packaging films

To solve the problems caused by direct incorporation of preservation agents (PAs) such as antimicrobials and antioxidants into food, development and application of active packaging (AP) are being strongly promoted. According to the way of PAs applied, AP can be divided into immobilisation type and release type. In release AP, a long-lasting and stable preservation effect can be achieved by adjusting the release rate of PAs. In this review, we focused on the effects of adjusting the multilayers, polymers, and nanocapsule and microcapsule structures of AP on the release mechanisms and applications of PAs. Release mathematical models based on food simulants have limitations in real food applications. Controlled release modifications often affect the properties of AP such as permeability and light transmission; by regulating the interaction between various factors, there is the potential to achieve a synergistic effect between controlled release and other packaging characteristics to maintain food quality.