The field of edible films and coatings has gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance food safety, quality, and functionality. These thin layers, applied to food surfaces, serve as carriers for natural polymers and bioactive compounds, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, which can improve the sensory and preservation attributes of food products. Despite the promising applications, there remain challenges in optimizing the functional properties of these films and coatings. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of incorporating bee products, particularly propolis, into edible films and coatings to enhance their barrier, flexibility, and structural properties. However, there is still a need for comprehensive research to fully understand the interactions between propolis and other natural substances with existing coating materials, and how these interactions can be leveraged to improve food packaging solutions.

This research topic aims to explore the integration of propolis and other natural products into edible films and coatings, with a focus on recent technological advancements and innovations. The objective is to provide a platform for original research and review articles that delve into the development and application of these enhanced films and coatings. Key questions include how propolis and similar substances can be effectively incorporated into edible films, the impact of these additions on food preservation, and the role of emerging technologies in advancing smart and active food packaging solutions.

To gather further insights in the application of propolis and natural products in edible films and coatings, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Edible films/coatings enriched with propolis or other natural substances and extracts
- Interdisciplinary insights, innovations, and technologies for preventing food spoilage and prolonging food shelf life
- Alternative food preservation methods and strategies for maintaining the quality of food during storage
- Industry 4.0 technological innovations for developing active packaging films and edible coatings

Products produced as a result of beekeeping activities could be of a great importance both for human nutrition and economic growth. These products are being widely used in food, chemistry, health, and cosmetics. The most known and produced products in beekeeping are honey and wax, but pollen, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom and bee bread (perga) could be considered as important bee products with high nutritional and commercial values. In recent years, bee products have also been used to form effective, reliable, and edible films and coatings. The functional properties of these films/coatings can be enhanced by combining existing coating materials with propolis and similar natural substances. Bioactive components in propolis and similar natural compounds interact with coating materials and increase the barrier properties, flexibility, and structural properties of the existing coatings. This could result in improved sensory properties and extended shelf-life of a wide range of food products (e.g., chicken and other meat, fish and other seafood, fruit, and vegetables).

This Research Topic aims to provide readers with an extensive overview of original research articles and review papers and highlight the recent developments on edible films/coatings containing propolis or similar natural products. A special focus will be given to recent advances and technological innovations (such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, smart sensors, recent advances in nanobiotechnology) that have emerged with the advent of the fourth industrial revolution (called Industry 4.0) and their role in enhancing smart and active food packaging. These advanced technologies are being applied to implement the concept of food Packaging 4.0 in order to improve intelligence, customization, and communications.

In this Research Topic, we sincerely invite researchers and experts to submit their research or review articles that include, but are not limited to, the following themes:

- Edible films/coatings enriched with propolis or other natural substances and extracts

- Interdisciplinary insights, innovations, and technologies for preventing food spoilage and prolonging food shelf life

- Alternative food preservation methods and strategies for maintaining the quality of food during storage

- Industry 4.0 technological innovations for developing active packaging films and edible coatings

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Frontiers in Nutrition

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