A Comprehensive Review on Furcellaran‐Based Food Packaging: Applications, Developments and Horizons

ABSTRACT

Growing concerns regarding the uncontrolled proliferation of plastic materials, which pose significant environmental challenges, have prompted researchers to seek innovative, eco‐friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum‐based packaging. Among various biological sources, seaweed has emerged as a very promising candidate. These seaweeds are rich in polysaccharides that can act as biopolymers in sustainable food packaging formulations. A significant polysaccharide obtained from seaweed is furcellaran, which holds considerable promise for the creation of innovative food packaging solutions. This review examines the complex structure and composition of furcellaran, as well as its potential for creating active and intelligent food packaging films and coatings. It also examines the effects of incorporating various materials, such as nanoparticles, essential oils and other biopolymers, on the physical, mechanical, thermal and microstructural properties of furcellaran‐based films. Furthermore, this research highlights the versatility of furcellaran‐based films and coatings as sustainable packaging options, demonstrating their potential to be engineered into active films with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as smart films that incorporate pH‐sensitive dyes or nanomaterials. Furcellaran‐based films are promising for packaging edible food products due to their biodegradability and water solubility. However, research in this area is limited and reveals challenges such as poor barrier properties and low thermal resistance. This review highlights ongoing efforts to improve these films by incorporating biopolymers, crosslinking agents, plasticizers and bioactive compounds. Improving the properties of furcellaran films could lead to innovative, sustainable packaging solutions that meet consumer demand for safer, biodegradable alternatives.