Recent research progress on locust bean gum (LBG)-based composite films for food packaging

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for biodegradable/edible biopolymer food packaging films to mitigate the environmental damage caused by petroleum-based plastic food packaging. In this context, locust bean gum (LBG) or carob gum is a galactomannan extracted from the endosperm of carob (Ceratonia siliqua) seeds. Due to its excellent film-forming properties, LBG has been widely used in the development of biodegradable food packaging films. In addition, due to the rich hydroxyl groups in LBG, it can produce synergistic gelation with many biopolymers to form blended films, and LBG has also been used in combination with many additives to form composite films with excellent antibacterial, antioxidant, and barrier properties, including various nanoparticles and plant extracts. Functional composite films based on LBG can effectively extend the shelf life and monitor the freshness of fruits, meats, and other processed foods. Therefore, in this work, we briefly introduce the chemical properties and application progress of LBG, focusing on the performance of various composite LBG food packaging films. Finally, the practical applications of LBG-based composite films and edible coatings in food preservation are summarized.