# Edible Packaging: A Technological Update for the Sustainable Future of the Food Industry
## 3 Results
### Additives in Edible Films
#### 3.6.4 Plant Extracts  
Plant-based essential oil extracts, such as cinnamon, clove, allspice, grapefruit seed, thymme, horseradish, rosmearly, radish, onion, garlic, mustard, and oregano, are high in phenolic compounds like phenolic acids and flavonoids, which have a variety of biological effects with respect to antimicrobial and antioxidant activity [45]. Natural antimicrobial agents can be incorporated into foods without the need for antimicrobial agents or preservatives [101]. Numerous studies have reported beneficial effects on the properties of fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables after the introduction of plant extracts. These extracts have positive effects, including the inhibition of microbial growth, antioxidant activity, and preservation of sensory characteristics by effectively controlling quality deterioration [102]. Asian medicinal plants and spices can be used as food preservatives and flavorings. Their addition can improve the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of edible films. Kong  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c c} \hline \hline
**Type of Edible** & **Antimicrobial** & **Food Models** & **Target Microorganism** & **Result** & **References** \\
**Packing Material** & **Agent Used** & & & & \\ \hline Film & Chitosan thymol & Blueberries, tomato & _Listeria innocua, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus_ & Stronger antimicrobial & \\  & nanoparticles & Blueberries, tomato & _Listeria innocua, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus_ & chitosan-thymol & [98] \\  & & & and _Staphylococcus aureus_ & nanoparticles than thymol alone. & \\ \hline  & Bioactive extracts (tea & & & Slowed the growth of both psychotherapy and mesophilic & \\  & tree, rosmearly, pomegranate, resveratrol, andropolis) & Minimally processed broccoli & _E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes_ & mesophilic microorganisms; microorganisms, improved the color, texture, and sensory qualities of broccoli. & [99] \\ \hline  & Whey proteins isolate films & Oregano oil & Fresh beef cuts & Spoilage flora & Increased shelf life of fresh beef. & [62] \\ \hline  & & Chitosan nanofiber & & & Decreased the growth of inoculation bacteria & \\  & (CHINF) and ZnO & Chicken fillet and cheese & _E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, P. aeruginosa_ & and increased the organoileptic characteristics of both samples. & [100] \\  & & & & & \\ \hline  & & & & & \\ \hline  & & & & & \\ \hline  & & & & & \\ \hline  & & & & & \\ \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 2: Antimicrobial properties of some edible packaging materials.  
et al. [103] incorporated various Asian-based plant extracts and essential oils into an edible film, improving its mechanical and physiochemical properties and contributing to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the edible film.  
However, the structure and functional properties of films incorporated with active plant extracts can vary depending on their concentration, the polymer used, and the conditions (pH, temperature, etc.) applied for processing, posing challenges for film performance and quality. Also, the antioxidant activities of edible packaging materials incorporated with natural additives can decrease over time. Therefore, stability during processing and storage needs to be assessed [104].