ABSTRACT
Researchers have shifted their focus toward sustainable advancements in active packaging systems due to the increasing consumer awareness and demands for quality foods with eco-friendly packaging. Biopolymers are naturally occurring polymers that are used for the formation of films and coatings, including proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids. Gums are used for several applications as coating agents, packaging films, texture modifiers, thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers in food systems. Gum-based films and coatings could provide several benefits, such as extended shelf life, biocompatibility and being environmentally friendly, good mass transfer barrier characteristics, carriers of foods additives such as antioxidants, vitamins, and antimicrobial compounds. Today, natural films and coatings can be used for a variety of purposes related to food products, singly or in conjunction with other compounds. The use of these gums in food systems provides edible packaging with suitable physical-mechanical properties as well as unique sensory and nutritional characteristics. This chapter summarizes the extensive knowledge about gum-based film-forming materials and their applications in different foods.
