Curcumin: A promising bioactive agent for application in food packaging systems

This review paper aimed to provide an insight on (1) the chemical structure and biological activity of curcumin, (2) physico-mechanical and antimicrobial properties of curcumin-loaded films, (3) the controlled release of curcumin from the films, and (4) the potential applications of the films incorporated by curcumin in food preservation. It was found that besides the inherent antimicrobial activity of curcumin, the medium in which curcumin has to execute its function is important. The intelligent packaging system based on curcumin/biopolymers can be used as an effective indicator to monitor animal-based protein foods' freshness. Overall, polysaccharide and/or protein composite films loaded with curcumin, as novel kinds of functional films could find applications in the food packaging industry.

Automated summary

In addition to the inherent antimicrobial activity of curcumin, the medium in which it functions is crucial. An intelligent packaging system based on curcumin/biopolymers can serve as an effective indicator for monitoring the freshness of animal-based protein foods, while polysaccharide and/or protein composite films loaded with curcumin could have valuable applications in the food packaging industry.