What question did this study set out to answer?

To synthesize findings on clove essential oil's role as an antimicrobial and antioxidant in food packaging.

March 13, 2026Applied Food Research0 citationsOpen Access

Clove Essential Oil as a Bioactive Agent in Active Food Packaging: A Systematic Review

NGNavid GodiniNational Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute MFMehdi Farhoudi BMBoshra MaroufiNational Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute

Key Points

To synthesize findings on clove essential oil's role as an antimicrobial and antioxidant in food packaging.
Conducted systematic review of 131 studies according to PRISMA guidelines
Examined CEO incorporation into various polymer matrices including polysaccharides and proteins
Critically evaluated mechanisms, performance outcomes, and identified research gaps
CEO-based packaging significantly extends shelf life by reducing microbial growth and oxidative deterioration
Improved barrier and mechanical properties observed in CEO-loaded films
Identified research gaps include variability in CEO composition and underexplored nanoencapsulation strategies

Abstract

• Clove essential oil (CEO) is widely used as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agent in active food packaging. • CEO-loaded films or coatings exhibit improved barrier, mechanical, and structural properties across diverse polymer matrices. • Controlled-release systems enable sustained delivery of CEO and enhance preservation efficiency in real foods. • CEO-based packaging consistently extends shelf life by reducing microbial growth and oxidative deterioration. • This systematic review synthesizes mechanisms, performance outcomes, and research gaps to guide future application. Clove essential oil (CEO) has emerged as a multifunctional bioactive agent for active food packaging, offering antimicrobial, antioxidant, and structural modification properties. This systematic review integrates findings from 131 studies (PRISMA-compliant selection) examining CEO incorporation into diverse polymer matrices, including polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic biodegradable films. Unlike previous reviews that primarily cataloged applications, this work critically evaluates the interplay between polymer chemistry, CEO concentration, release kinetics, and matrix–microbe interactions, highlighting mechanisms underlying antimicrobial efficacy and antioxidant performance. Key contributions include (i) establishing structure–function relationships across polymer types, (ii) identifying matrix-dependent modulation of sensory and barrier properties, and (iii) elucidating nanoparticle- and nanoemulsion-mediated strategies to optimize CEO dispersion and controlled release. Research gaps are systematically identified, including limited scalability, variability in CEO composition, insufficient standardization of physicochemical and sensory assessments, and underexplored integration of nanoencapsulation for industrial-scale production. By synthesizing current knowledge, we propose targeted strategies to enhance CEO performance, such as rational polymer–CEO selection, droplet stabilization, and synergistic incorporation with nanomaterials. This review provides actionable guidance for researchers and industry practitioners to design functional, safe, and scalable CEO-based packaging, emphasizing sustainable solutions for high-moisture and lipid-rich foods. Overall, this work uniquely bridges mechanistic insights with practical implementation considerations, offering both a comprehensive knowledge base and a roadmap for future research.

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