ABSTRACT
In the last years, several researchers have developed new films and coatings as substitutes for petroleum-based non-biodegradable packaging materials. Chitosan is one natural polymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin with abundant applications in various fields. Chitosan possesses exciting properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, antimicrobial ability, and easy film-forming ability. However, chitosan has poor mechanical and barrier properties that may limit its use in food and pharmaceutical applications. This chapter discusses the fabrication and applications of chitosan-based films and coating using plasticizers, polysaccharides, and proteins. Physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of chitosan-based films and coating on food products are also discussed.
