Application of essential oil from Achillea millefolium for levan/gelatin blend films

Abstract

Essential oils extracted from plants are attractive additives in the food industry due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Therefore, in recent years, essential oils have been extensively investigated as additives for syntheses of edible and biodegradable emulsified films and coatings. Edible films and coatings are used in food preservation in order to improve the gas and moisture barriers, mechanical properties, sensory perceptions, microbial protection and to prolong the shelf life of various food products. Finally, edible films should replace conventional materials originating from petrochemical industry. The materials for the production of edible films include mainly proteins such as gelatin, lipids, and polysaccharides individually or in combination. Sometimes additives are incorporated to improve the properties of films. Microbial levan is a biocompatible, biodegradable and a renewable exopolysaccharide with antioxidant and prebiotic activities.