Techno-functional properties of Cactaceae polysaccharides for food packaging application: A review.

The growing environmental concerns over the use of synthetic polymers have encouraged the search for biodegradable alternatives in food packaging. Among natural sources, the Cactaceae family has emerged as a promising candidate due to its abundance, sustainability, and versatile functional properties. Mucilage extracted from Opuntia cladodes and pectin obtained from Pitaya peels exhibit valuable characteristics, including antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, cactus fruit provides a rich source of bioactive pigments and nutrients, further enhancing the functionality of the resulting packaging materials. While the mechanical properties of current cactus-based films require further improvement through polymer blending and cross-linking techniques, their potential for extending shelf life and enabling intelligent packaging solutions is evident. This review aims to underscore the techno-functional attributes of Cactaceae species, focusing on their potential for developing biodegradable films and coatings through an in-depth literature review and bibliometric analysis.