What specific edible packaging concept was developed by Harvard professor David Edwards?
WikiCell
David Edwards, a professor at Harvard University, is prominently credited with the development of the WikiCell concept. This technology was specifically engineered to address the substantial waste generated by traditional packaging materials used for foods such as ice cream and cheese. The WikiCell is fundamentally designed using natural components, mirroring materials found in the peels of fruits and vegetables, to construct a protective, edible coating or membrane. This innovation represents an advance beyond simply coating food in a basic gel; the goal was to produce a 'skin' that possesses inherent structural integrity while remaining completely safe for ingestion, thereby functioning as a true food-grade encapsulation system intended to replace petroleum-based plastic wraps.
