ABSTRACT
Antimicrobial packaging is a very promising system for the future improvement of food quality and preservation during processing and storage. In fact, antimicrobial packaging can be helpful in extending the shelf life of food products. Chitosan is a versatile and promising biodegradable polymer for food packaging applications since it presents an inherent antimicrobial character against the growth of pathogen and spoilage microorganisms. In this chapter, state-of-the-art information regarding the mechanism of action and the main factors affecting the antimicrobial properties of chitosan lms have been summarized. Besides, changes on the biocide properties of the compound when incorporated into other polymer or when tested in food products have been also reviewed.
