COMPOSITE EDIBLE FILMS AND THEIR FEATURES

Abstract

Edible films are materials that are not synthetic and can be consumed with food, coated with various methods on the surface of the product in order to protect the food, extend the shelf life and provide functional properties. Composition of edible films consists of a combination of one or more substances such as carbohydrate, fat, protein and plasticizer. Nutritional values of foods are supported with edible film coating, especially with the films made of proteins. The antimicrobial and antioxidant substances added to edible films avoid the growth of microorganisms on the food surface and prolong the shelflife of the foods. It is desired that edible films should be as odorless, tasteless, colorless, transparent, clear as possible, durable and flexible as well as in compliance with the foodstuff in order to avoid the adverse effects during consumption. In addition, edible films are able to meet the different functional needs (moisture barrier, gas barrier, water and lipid solubility, color and appearance, mechanical properties, etc.) of the product to which they are applied. In recent years, the use of edible composite films containing more than one component has become widespread, in contrast to the onecomponent edible films desired for edible film production. In this study, researches on edible composite films and their properties have been reviewed.