Review on Enhancing the Physicomechanical Properties of Chitosan and Konjac Glucomannan Edible Films with Pickering Emulsions Containing Essential Oils for Sustainable Food Packaging

Document Type : Review article

Authors

School of Agricultural Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran.

Abstract

Pickering emulsion-based edible films are gaining attention as sustainable food packaging materials due to their ability to improve mechanical strength and moisture resistance. Chitosan (CS) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) are widely used biopolymers in edible films, but chitosan films are brittle, while KGM films have poor mechanical strength and high moisture sensitivity. Incorporating Pickering emulsions (PEs) containing essential oils into CS and KGM films can significantly enhance flexibility, tensile strength, and water vapor resistance, making them more effective for food preservation. This review explores the physicomechanical properties of CS and KGM films containing Pickering emulsions, focusing on tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability, and moisture retention. The findings indicate that solid stabilizing particles in PEs reinforce the polymer network, increasing tensile strength, while essential oils improve flexibility but may reduce strength at higher concentrations. Additionally, the hydrophobic nature of essential oils and the physical barrier effect of PEs reduce water absorption and solubility, enhancing the film’s durability in humid environments. Despite growing research, there is currently no comprehensive review that systematically examines how Pickering emulsions affect the mechanical and moisture barrier properties of CS and KGM films, highlighting a significant knowledge gap. Therefore, this review is essential to consolidate existing findings, clarify the mechanisms involved, and provide guidance for optimizing edible film formulations for improved food packaging applications.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

Atarian, M., Rajaei, A., Tabatabaei, M., Mohsenifar, A., & Bodaghi, H. (2019). Formulation of Pickering sunflower oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by chitosan-stearic acid nanogel and studying its oxidative stability. Carbohydrate Polymers, 210, 47-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.01.008
Basavegowda, N., & Baek, K.-H. (2021). Synergistic antioxidant and antibacterial advantages of essential oils for food packaging applications. Biomolecules, 11(9), 1267. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11091267
Basumatary, I. B., Mukherjee, A., Katiyar, V., & Kumar, S. (2022). Biopolymer-based nanocomposite films and coatings: Recent advances in shelf-life improvement of fruits and vegetables. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 62(7), 1912-1935. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2020.1848789
Benbettaïeb, N., Kurek, M., Bornaz, S., & Debeaufort, F. (2014). Barrier, structural and mechanical properties of bovine gelatin–chitosan blend films related to biopolymer interactions. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 94(12), 2409-2419. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.6570
Bu, N., Huang, L., Cao, G., Lin, H., Pang, J., Wang, L., & Mu, R. (2022). Konjac glucomannan/Pullulan films incorporated with cellulose nanofibrils-stabilized tea tree essential oil Pickering emulsions. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 650, 129553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.129553
Bu, N., Sun, R., Huang, L., Lin, H., Pang, J., Wang, L., & Mu, R. (2022). Chitosan films with tunable droplet size of Pickering emulsions stabilized by amphiphilic konjac glucomannan network. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 220, 1072-1083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.157
Carrera, C., Bengoechea, C., Carrillo, F., & Calero, N. (2023). Effect of deacetylation degree and molecular weight on surface properties of chitosan obtained from biowastes. Food Hydrocolloids, 137, 108383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2022.108383
Chen, Y., Li, Y., Qin, S., Han, S., & Qi, H. (2022). Antimicrobial, UV blocking, water-resistant and degradable coatings and packaging films based on wheat gluten and lignocellulose for food preservation. Composites Part B: Engineering, 238, 109868. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2022.109868
Cheng, L., Abd Karim, A., Norziah, M., & Seow, C. (2002). Modification of the microstructural and physical properties of konjac glucomannan-based films by alkali and sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Food research international, 35(9), 829-836. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0963-9969(02)00086-8
Cheng, Y., Cai, X., Zhang, X., Zhao, Y., Song, R., Xu, Y., & Gao, H. (2024). Applications in Pickering emulsions of enhancing preservation properties: current trends and future prospects in active food packaging coatings and films. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 104643.
Du, Y., Zhang, S., Sheng, L., Ma, H., Xu, F., Waterhouse, G. I., Sun-Waterhouse, D., & Wu, P. (2023). Food packaging films based on ionically crosslinked konjac glucomannan incorporating zein-pectin nanoparticle-stabilized corn germ oil-oregano oil Pickering emulsion. Food Chemistry, 429, 136874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136874
Dupont, H., Maingret, V., Schmitt, V., & Héroguez, V. (2021). New insights into the formulation and polymerization of Pickering emulsions stabilized by natural organic particles. Macromolecules, 54(11), 4945-4970. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00225
El Kadib, A., Wrońska, N., Lisowska, K., Anouar, A., Katir, N., Miłowska, K., Bielska, B., & Bryszewska, M. (2023). Functional bio-based chitosan films: from material design to biological properties. In Functional Materials in Biomedical Applications (pp. 1-50). Jenny Stanford Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003411468-1
Fan, S., Wang, D., Wen, X., Li, X., Fang, F., Richel, A., Xiao, N., Fauconnier, M.-L., Hou, C., & Zhang, D. (2023). Incorporation of cinnamon essential oil-loaded Pickering emulsion for improving antimicrobial properties and control release of chitosan/gelatin films. Food Hydrocolloids, 138, 108438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2022.108438
Franca, E. F., Freitas, L. C., & Lins, R. D. (2011). Chitosan molecular structure as a function of N‐acetylation. Biopolymers, 95(7), 448-460. https://doi.org/10.1002/bip.21602
Hosseini, E., Rajaei, A., Tabatabaei, M., Mohsenifar, A., & Jahanbin, K. (2020). Preparation of pickering flaxseed oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by chitosan-myristic acid nanogels and investigation of its oxidative stability in presence of clove essential oil as antioxidant. Food Biophysics, 15, 216-228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11483-019-09612-z
Hua, L., Deng, J., Wang, Z., Wang, Y., Chen, B., Ma, Y., Li, X., & Xu, B. (2021). Improving the functionality of chitosan-based packaging films by crosslinking with nanoencapsulated clove essential oil. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 192, 627-634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.197
Li, H., Tan, W., Hou, M., Yang, S., Liu, C., Han, M., Liang, J., & Gao, Z. (2024). Multi-strategy dynamic cross-linking to prepare EGCG-loaded multifunctional Pickering emulsion/α-cyclodextrin/konjac glucomannan composite films for ultra-durable preservation of perishable fruits. Carbohydrate Polymers, 338, 122205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122205
Li, J., Ma, J., Chen, S., He, J., & Huang, Y. (2018). Characterization of calcium alginate/deacetylated konjac glucomannan blend films prepared by Ca2+ crosslinking and deacetylation. Food Hydrocolloids, 82, 363-369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2018.04.022
Liu, L., Swift, S., Tollemache, C., Perera, J., & Kilmartin, P. A. (2022). Antimicrobial and antioxidant AIE chitosan-based films incorporating a Pickering emulsion of lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 133, 107971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2022.107971
Maluin, F. N. (2024). Enhancing Chitosan Nanofilm with Agricultural Waste Fillers for Sustainable and Safe Functional Food Packaging. ACS Agricultural Science & Technology, 4(11), 1136-1162. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsagscitech.4c00398
Mirzaee Moghaddam, H., Khoshtaghaza, M. H., Barzegar Bafroee, M., & Salimi, A. (2014). Effect of Potassium Permanganate Nano-Zeolite and Storage Time on Physicochemical Properties of Kiwifruit (Hayward). Journal of Agricultural Machinery, 4(1), 37-49.
Mirzaee Moghaddam, H., & Rajaie, A. (2021). Effect of Pomegranate Seed Oil Encapsulated in Chitosan-capric Acid Nanogels Incorporating Thyme Essential Oil on Physicomechanical and Structural Properties of Jelly Candy. Journal of Agricultural Machinery, 11(1), 55-70.
Mohammed, K., Yu, D., Mahdi, A. A., Zhang, L., Obadi, M., Al-Ansi, W., & Xia, W. (2024). Influence of cellulose viscosity on the physical, mechanical, and barrier properties of the chitosan-based films. International journal of biological macromolecules, 259, 129383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129383
Mohsenabadi, N., Rajaei, A., Tabatabaei, M., & Mohsenifar, A. (2018). Physical and antimicrobial properties of starch-carboxy methyl cellulose film containing rosemary essential oils encapsulated in chitosan nanogel. International journal of biological macromolecules, 112, 148-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.01.034
Momtaz, M., & Chen, J. (2020). High-performance colorimetric humidity sensors based on konjac glucomannan. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 12(48), 54104-54116. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c16495
Nazari, N. Rajaei, A., & Mirzaee Moghaddam, H. (2025). Comparative Effects of Basil Seed and Cress Seed Gums on Stability of Flaxseed Oil Pickering Emulsion and Functional Kiwifruit Bar Characteristics. Food Biophysics, 20(2), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11483-025-09947-w
Nikbakht, H. , Rajaei, A.& Movahednejad, M. H. (2024). Investigation and Production of Thyme Essential Oil Nanoemulsion Using Chitosan-Zein Pickering Emulsion Method by Nano Spray Drying Mechanism. Biomechanism and Bioenergy Research, 3(1), 56-67. https://doi.org/10.22103/bbr.2024.22873.1077
Pires, J., Paula, C. D. d., Souza, V. G. L., Fernando, A. L., & Coelhoso, I. (2021). Understanding the barrier and mechanical behavior of different nanofillers in chitosan films for food packaging. Polymers, 13(5), 721. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13050721
Qiao, D., Li, M., Chen, J., Lin, L., Lu, J., Zhao, G., Zhang, B., & Xie, F. (2025). Combination of crosslinked zein film enhances the water barrier and mechanical properties of deacetylated konjac glucomannan/agar-based bilayer films. Food Chemistry, 475, 143350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143350
Ribeiro, E. F., Morell, P., Nicoletti, V. R., Quiles, A., & Hernando, I. (2021). Protein-and polysaccharide-based particles used for Pickering emulsion stabilisation. Food Hydrocolloids, 119, 106839. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2021.106839
Santos, N. L., de Oliveira Ragazzo, G., Cerri, B. C., Soares, M. R., Kieckbusch, T. G., & da Silva, M. A. (2020). Physicochemical properties of konjac glucomannan/alginate films enriched with sugarcane vinasse intended for mulching applications. International journal of biological macromolecules, 165, 1717-1726. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.10.049
Thambiliyagodage, C., Jayanetti, M., Mendis, A., Ekanayake, G., Liyanaarachchi, H., & Vigneswaran, S. (2023). Recent advances in chitosan-based applications—a review. Materials, 16(5), 2073. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16052073
Wang, H., Yuan, D., Meng, Q., Zhang, Y., Kou, X., & Ke, Q. (2024). Pickering nanoemulsion loaded with eugenol contributed to the improvement of konjac glucomannan film performance. International journal of biological macromolecules, 267, 131495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131495
Wang, L., Chen, C., Wang, J., Gardner, D. J., & Tajvidi, M. (2020). Cellulose nanofibrils versus cellulose nanocrystals: Comparison of performance in flexible multilayer films for packaging applications. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 23, 100464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fpsl.2020.100464
Wang, S., Liu, L., Bi, S., Zhou, Y., Liu, Y., Wan, J., Zeng, L., Zhu, Q., Pang, J., & Huang, X. (2023). Studies on stabilized mechanism of high internal phase Pickering emulsions from the collaboration of low dose konjac glucomannan and myofibrillar protein. Food Hydrocolloids, 143, 108862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2023.108862
Xu, J., He, M., Wei, C., Duan, M., Yu, S., Li, D., Zhong, W., Tong, C., Pang, J., & Wu, C. (2023). Konjac glucomannan films with Pickering emulsion stabilized by TEMPO-oxidized chitin nanocrystal for active food packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 139, 108539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2023.108539
Xu, Y., Chu, Y., Feng, X., Gao, C., Wu, D., Cheng, W., Meng, L., Zhang, Y., & Tang, X. (2020). Effects of zein stabilized clove essential oil Pickering emulsion on the structure and properties of chitosan-based edible films. International journal of biological macromolecules, 156, 111-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.027
Yang, Y., Fang, Z., Chen, X., Zhang, W., Xie, Y., Chen, Y., Liu, Z., & Yuan, W. (2017). An overview of Pickering emulsions: solid-particle materials, classification, morphology, and applications. Frontiers in pharmacology, 8, 235054. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00287
Ye, S., Zongo, A. W.-S., Shah, B. R., Li, J., & Li, B. (2021). Konjac glucomannan (KGM), deacetylated KGM (Da-KGM), and degraded KGM derivatives: A special focus on colloidal nutrition. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 69(44), 12921-12932. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03647
Zhang, Q., Kong, B., Liu, H., Du, X., Sun, F., & Xia, X. (2024). Nanoscale Pickering emulsion food preservative films/coatings: Compositions, 

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 17 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 26 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 31 May 2025

Share

How to cite

Statistics