Insights into the Edible and Biodegradable Ulvan-Based Films and Coatings for Food Packaging

Recently, edible films or coatings that are made from algal polysaccharides have become promising candidates for replacing plastic-based packaging materials for food storage due to their non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioactive characteristics. Ulvan, a significant biopolymer with unique functional properties derived from marine green algae, has been extensively used in various sectors. However, there are fewer commercial applications of this sugar in the food packaging industry compared to many other algae-derived polysaccharides, such as alginates, carrageenan, and agar. This article aims to review the unparalleled chemical composition/structure and physiochemical properties of ulvan and the latest developments in ulvan-based edible films and coatings, thus highlighting their potential applications in the food packaging industry.

Automated summary

Recently, edible films or coatings made from algal polysaccharides, such as ulvan derived from marine green algae, have gained attention as potential substitutes for plastic-based food packaging materials due to their non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioactive characteristics. However, ulvan has fewer commercial applications in the food packaging industry compared to other algae-derived polysaccharides. This article reviews the chemical composition/structure and physiochemical properties of ulvan and explores its potential applications in the food packaging industry.