Summary
This narrative review synthesises recent advances in the design and application of hydrogels incorporating essential oils as bioactive delivery systems. The authors examine polymer chemistry, encapsulation methodologies, and the functional characteristics—including antibacterial efficacy, biocompatibility and controlled release—that make such systems promising for food, food packaging and biomedical applications, whilst identifying key stability and volatility constraints.
Regional applicability
The review is geographically agnostic and addresses materials science and engineering applicable globally. Its findings on hydrogel-essential oil systems for food packaging and food preservation have potential relevance to UK food safety and preservation strategies, though specific regulatory or market adoption evidence is not discussed.
Key measures
Biocompatibility, toxicity, antibacterial activity, sustained release kinetics, porosity, cytocompatibility, volatility, solubility, stability under environmental conditions
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises advances in hydrogel-essential oil systems across biomedical, dental, cosmetic, food, food packaging and heritage applications. It examines polymer sources, cross-linking techniques, encapsulation methods, stability challenges and functional properties including antibacterial activity and sustained release.
Topic tags
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