Application of sea fennel's bioactive compounds in the development of edible films and coatings: A review

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is an edible halophyte known for its rich and complex chemical composition. It has emerged as a novel research interest across multiple scientific fields, extending beyond its traditional uses in food and agriculture. This review explores the significant polyphenolic content and other diverse bioactive compounds in sea fennel, which exhibit promising antioxidant and antimicrobial properties relevant to food packaging applications. These properties enhance food preservation and support the development of active and intelligent packaging solutions. Recent studies have demonstrated that films and coatings infused with sea fennel extracts can significantly extend the shelf life of perishable goods, in some cases increasing longevity by up to 50% compared to controls. As the industry moves towards environmentally sustainable practices, sea fennel is recognized as an ideal candidate for developing biodegradable films and coatings. This review investigates the current research landscape, highlights the unique applications of sea fennel bioactives in active packaging systems, compares their effectiveness with other natural compounds, and outlines potential future research directions. Exploring sea fennel bioactive compounds is within the broader trend of leveraging plant-derived materials to address ecological and safety concerns in food packaging, pointing towards a pathway for more sustainable technologies.