Recent advances in the use of edible films and coatings with probiotic and bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria

Consumer awareness of the impact of synthetic food packaging on the environment has forced the food industry to look for alternatives. Edible films and coatings are increasingly being used as an alternative to conventional food packaging. They consist of thin layers of biodegradable biomaterials that protect fresh and processed food products from microbial spoilage and improve the safety, quality and functionality of the food without altering its organoleptic and nutritional properties. Recent advances in this area have included the incorporation of probiotic and bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) into these matrices. These probiotic LAB, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, offer numerous health benefits to consumers, including improving gut health and boosting the immune system. Additionally, the bacteriocins produced by some LAB strains have shown potent anti-microbial activity against a wide range of pathogens, making them an attractive alternative to synthetic preservatives. This review presents recent advances in the use of LAB and their antimicrobial metabolites in edible films and coatings.