Genipin Crosslinked Polysaccharide Packaging Films: An Eco-Friendly and Innovative Strategy to Improve the Performance of Food Packaging Materials Publisher

Summary: Greener food packaging? Review highlights genipin-crosslinked polysaccharides for biodegradable films with strength, barriers. Addresses plastic pollution—needs optimization for scalability. #SustainablePackaging #FoodTech

Khezerlou A¹ ; Alizadeh Sani M² ; Rhim JW³
Source: Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications Published:2025

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable food packaging solutions has highlighted the limitations of conventional plastic materials, which contribute significantly to environmental pollution. This review focuses on the innovative use of genipin crosslinked polysaccharide packaging films as an eco-friendly alternative. Despite the promising properties of these films, including biodegradability, mechanical strength, and barrier performance, significant research gaps remain in understanding the long-term stability and scalability of genipin crosslinking processes. Current challenges in the food packaging sector include the reliance on petroleum-based plastics, inadequate moisture and gas barrier properties, and the need for materials that can maintain food quality while being environmentally friendly. This paper outlines key findings that demonstrate the potential of genipin crosslinked films to enhance food preservation and reduce waste. Genipin, a natural compound derived from Gardenia jasminoides fruit, offers unique properties that improve the performance of food packaging materials. To address these challenges, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended, combining material science, food technology, and environmental studies. Future research should focus on optimizing the crosslinking process, assessing the films' performance in various food applications, and exploring the life cycle impacts of these materials. By connecting these gaps, genipin crosslinked polysaccharide films could play a key role in transforming the food packaging landscape into a more sustainable and efficient system. Therefore, using genipin as a crosslinking agent can be applied to various types of packaging materials, such as films, coatings, and foams. © 2025 The Author(s)