ABSTRACT
This chapter presents edible films as a feasible way of reducing plastic consumption. In this work, carob seed peel by-product has been used in the formulation into fish-gelatin film. The development of edible films and coatings is an environment-friendly practice that allows reduction on the impact and disposal costs associated with synthetic polymeric films. Edible coatings and films have a high potential to carry active ingredients, such as antioxidants, antimicrobials, flavor, colorants, nutraceuticals and probotics that can extend product shelf-life, and even enhance organoleptic properties and nutritional value of the food. Fish gelatin has the capacity to form edible films with good technological and bioactive properties. Fish gelatin is a source of biologically active peptides with promising health benefits. These peptides are inactive in the parent protein sequence but can be liberated during gastrointestinal digestion, food processing or fermentation. Fish gelatin posseses certain antioxidant properties, but the hydrolysis of gelatin chains noticeably increases the antioxidant capacity.
