The oral thin film is a thin, flexible layer composed of biopolymers formed with or without plasticizers. It is one of the novel innovations for the food industry, and it can be used as nutraceuticals or supplements or as food packaging material to deliver additional functional properties like antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to the food. CD Formulation has conducted various studies on applying thin oral film in food and successfully carried out contract production of customized oral thin films for the food industry.

Fig.1 Oral thin films and their applications in the food industry. (Pramod K, Prabhakar, et al., 2022)

Applications of Oral Thin Films in Food Industry

Oral thin films have great potential for innovation in the food industry, supporting the development of novel food products, enhancing consumer convenience, and contributing to sustainable packaging solutions. Applications of oral thin films in the food field include but are not limited to:

Flavour Enhancement

By creating an edible, scented oral thin film, this thin film is applied directly to foods, such as snacks or confectionery, to enhance their flavour.

Nutritional Supplement Delivery

Oral thin films containing specific nutrients, vitamins or supplements can be eaten directly or placed on food, providing a convenient way to enhance the nutritional content of food.

Edible Packaging

Oral thin film can serve as edible packaging for individual portions of food items, providing a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to traditional packaging materials.

Fig.2 Edible films incorporated with nanoparticles containing antimicrobial agents for improving the shelf life of food. (Lokesh Kumar, et al., 2021)

Food Preservation

Oral thin film can be employed to develop thin films containing natural preservatives or antimicrobial agents, helping to extend the shelf life of perishable food items and reduce food waste.

Nutrition Supplement

Oral thin films can be formulated to contain concentrated nutrition ingredients, offering a convenient way to integrate these elements into food products, such as meal replacement options.

Edible Thin Film Composition

Edible thin films are thin layers, generally less than 0.3 mm, that are used to protect food products and avoid the deterioration of their ingredients. It is first produced by solvent casting, compression moulding, or extrusion procedures and posteriorly implemented into food products placed on or between food components. The food sector is the primary consumer of packaging materials, with edible films mainly applied to meat and seafood, fruits and vegetables and dairy products. These packaging materials, usually formed by a cohesive structured biopolymer, additives and a solvent, can also be used as carriers of several active ingredients, like colourants, flavours, nutrients and antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, which can prolong the shelf life, improve the organoleptic characteristics and enhance the nutritional value of the final product.

Fig.3 Edible Thin Film Composition. (A. Marisa Ribeiro, et al., 2021)

Our Oral Thin Film Development Services

Leveraging advanced delivery platforms, we offer tailored oral thin film formulation services for the food industry. Our team is experienced in technology development, quality control, and contract manufacturing, ensuring that we meet the specific needs of our clients.

We also have rich experience in exploring and constructing a verity of oral thin film and food development technologies.

Published Data

CD Formulation has extensive experience in developing and producing food oral thin films, and we are equipped with a wide range of high-performance industrial equipment for the contract production of oral thin films. If you require our oral thin film services for the food industry, please contact us by phone or email, and our colleagues will get back to you within three working days.