# Sustainability in Bio-Based Edible Films, Coatings, and Packaging for Small Fruits
## 5 Edible Film and Coating Functionalities Important for the Small Fruit Industry
### Health Effects and Biodegradability of the Films  
So far, there are few studies on the effect of edible coatings on human health. Generally, substances that should be edible and safe are used to coat fruits. Among the film-forming materials themselves, chitosan deserves attention. [PERSON] et al. [208] analyzed the effect of chitosan and edible coatings made from it on inhibiting inflammation, which is one of the factors in the development of metabolic syndrome in the body [208]. Fucoidan has numerous health-promoting properties: antioxidant and antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and even immunomodulatory and anticancer properties [209]. Compounds introduced into film-forming solutions and then applied to the surface of fruit as a coating exhibit several health-promoting properties. Phenolic compounds possess documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Their biological activity, however, depends on their bioavailability and bioabsorption, as well as on the interactions that may occur between them and the matrix from which the edible coating is created [210]. Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties are also attributed to terpenoids, which include many components of essential oils. These compounds are often chosen as active ingredients incorporated into edible coatings. In addition to terpen, oils also contain phenols (such as carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol), alcohols (such as linalool), and aldehydes (such as cinnamaldehyde) that possess antitumor properties. Studies on cell lines have confirmed the anticancer activity of many of the abovementioned compounds [211]. Probiotics are becoming more and more common among coating additives. Edible polymer matrices used in the food packaging industry can serve as carriers for bacteria and yeasts with documented probiotic properties. They can be incorporated intobiopolymer matrices to develop active food packaging materials to control pathogenic microorganisms. However, to confer health benefits from probiotics, it is crucial to maintain their viability at an appropriate level (recommended daily dosage of \(\sim\)10\({}^{9}\) viable cells). Different technological strategies have been investigated to protect probiotics, the most important being the inclusion of probiotics into edible films and coatings or their microencapsulation into polymeric matrices. This improves food stability and safety and, most importantly, favors consumers' health [212]. The survival of probiotic microorganisms can be enhanced by adding prebiotics to the film-forming solution, e.g., inulin, polyedxtrose, wheat dextrin, and glucose-oligosaccharides [213]. Usually, the bioactive components of coatings can be released into food. Still, in the case of probiotics, this is not even necessary because they are consumed together with the coating [214]. Research into the health-promoting properties of edible films and coatings and the fruits to which they are applied is an open path for developing intelligent edible packaging. In recent years, growing awareness and concern for the natural environment have intensified research on edible coatings. One undoubted advantage of producing edible coatings is their potential biodegradability. They should, therefore, be a good alternative to the synthetic packaging still commonly used. Biopolymers, whether polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, or their mixtures, have already been studied relatively well. However, to obtain a durable coating that will stay on the surface of a product, e.g., a small fruit, it is necessary to add a plasticizer. While most biopolymers are highly hydrophilic and easily degradable, adding a plasticizer can affect the film disintegration [215]. The European standard EN13432 applies to testing the biodegradability of packaging materials. Most biodegradability tests are performed in soil [216]. The biodegradability of edible films and coatings varies depending on the polymer used.