Advances in Functional Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites for Active Food Packaging Applications

Abstract

Polymeric nanocomposites have received significant attention in both scientific and industrial research in recent years. The demand for new methods of food preservation to ensure high-quality, healthy foods with an extended shelf life has increased. Packaging, a crucial feature of the food industry, plays a vital role in satisfying this demand. Polymeric nanocomposites exhibit remarkably improved packaging properties, including barrier properties, oxygen impermeability, solvent resistance, moisture permeability, thermal stability, and antimicrobial characteristics. Bio-based polymers have drawn considerable interest to mitigate the influence and application of petroleum-derived polymeric materials and related environmental concerns. The integration of nanotechnology in food packaging systems has shown promise for enhancing the quality and shelf life of food. This article provides a general overview of bio-based polymeric nanocomposites comprising polymer matrices and inorganic nanoparticles, and describes their classification, fabrication, properties, and applications for active food packaging systems with future perspectives.

The strategic applications of natural polymer nanocomposites in food packaging and agriculture: Chances, challenges, and consumers’ perception

“…or inhibit their entry and therefore this area of research is increasing the attention of the scientific community ( Khezerlou et al, 2018 ). In this context, nanocomposites play a pivotal role due to their barrier and antimicrobial properties ( Basavegowda and Baek 2021 ). Due to the application of antimicrobial agents and nanoparticles such as AgNPs, CuNPs, etc.…”

Valorization of Starch to Biobased Materials: A Review

“…Blending starch with other biopolymers such as chitosan [ 149 ], gelatin [ 150 ], polyvinyl alcohol [ 149 ], amongst many others, the strength-supporting framework has been investigated to compensate for the starch-based films’ weak mechanical characteristics. Combining two or more polymers yields novel materials with improved mechanical and gas barrier qualities, a viable replacement for synthetic food packaging materials [ 151 ]. Starch has traditionally been used as a food ingredient, but it is also being employed in a variety of other uses, including in the manufacture of aerogels and biofoams [ 19 ], paper, medicines, and textiles [ 152 ].…”

Biopolymers for packaging applications: An overview

“…Tong et al reported the glycerol addition to reduce the tensile strength and water barrier properties along with increase in the elongation at break and water solubility. 59 While studying the effect of various plasticisers and cross-linkers on extruded films, decrease in ultimate tensile strength on addition of glycerol plasticiser F I G U R E 3 Broad classification of biopolymers 26,29,44,[46][47][48] T A B L E 1 Types and origin of different biopolymers 4,26,29,44,[49][50][51][52][53] Types and origin of different biopolymers and derivatives…”