A review on chlorophyll-based active and intelligent packaging: chemistry, stability and applications in food freshness monitoring

Abstract

Recently chlorophyll, a natural bioactive compound has gained attention as a functional component in sustainable food packaging because of its various health benefits such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pH-sensitive properties. The incorporation of chlorophyll into biodegradable films, coating and encapsulation offers dual functionality including as an active agent by extending the shelf life as it reduces the oxidative damage and microbial spoilage; secondly as an intelligent indicator which can signal freshness through colorimetric or fluorescence changes. This review paper comprehensively focused on chemistry, extraction methods, and key physicochemical properties of chlorophyll relevant to packaging applications while highlighting the advancements in chlorophyll-based active and intelligent packaging systems, including encapsulation. It also enlightens the future research directions to emphasize the advanced encapsulation techniques, optimized incorporation methods, and integrating digital sensing technologies to overcome the current limitations. Finally, it provides insight regarding chlorophyll-incorporated packaging representing a sustainable, multifunctional approach to improve food preservation, reducing waste, and supporting environmentally responsible food supply chains.