Mussel-inspired biomimetic adhesive coatings for food preservation: A review

Abstract

In recent years, taking inspiration from mussel-an underwater expert, various packaging alternatives including adhesive coatings are being developed for food preservation to ensure food availability for everyone. The extraordinary adhesion, exhibited by mussel, is mainly offered by mussel foot protein containing catechol groups. This catechol-based chemistry not only improves adhesion, but also helps in imparting antimicrobial, antioxidant, and UV blocking properties to packaging materials for increasing the shelf-life of food items. Herein, we first present an overview of catechol-based chemistry followed by a discussion involving a combination of catechol and its derivatives with various biodegradable polymers and nanomaterials. Further, we summarize recent efforts of developing mussel-inspired catechol-based coatings for food preservation, keeping minimum environmental impact in mind. Finally, we discuss various challenges and opportunities existing in this area for successful commercial utilization of such biomimetic coatings in the future.