Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure pertain to compositions and methods for preparing silk films for use in food packaging. Exemplary compositions of the present disclosure comprise silk films and packaging coatings as a replacement for traditional food packaging, such as single-use plastic packaging, and/or to extend the shelf-life of foods. The natural bio-based silk coatings of the present disclosure may be odorless, low cost, edible, compostable, come from a renewable source, removable from the packaging for recycling, and are biodegradable. In some embodiments, the silk films and packaging coatings may prolong the shelf-life, enhance or maintain the quality and safety, and/or provide indication of and regulate the freshness of food products.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure pertain to compositions and methods for preparing silk films for use in food packaging. Exemplary compositions of the present disclosure comprise silk films and packaging coatings as a replacement for traditional food packaging, such as single-use plastic packaging, and/or to extend the shelf-life of foods. The natural bio-based silk coatings of the present disclosure may be odorless, low cost, edible, compostable, come from a renewable source, removable from the packaging for recycling, and are biodegradable. In some embodiments, the silk films and packaging coatings may prolong the shelf-life, enhance or maintain the quality and safety, and/or provide indication of and regulate the freshness of food products.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, solutions, and methods for extending the shelf life of food compositions. For example, the disclosure is directed to food compositions or solutions comprising silk fibroin. In some instances, the compositions may be coated with a silk fibroin layer. The disclosure is also directed to methods of preparing food compositions. The methods include spray-coating, dip-coating, or mixing the food compositions with fragments of silk fibroin.