Biodegradable Active Packaging with Controlled Release: Principles, Progress, and Prospects

Abstract

Climate change is accelerated by increasing food waste; more importantly, this pressing challenge is compounded by the environmentally damaging effects of conventional plastics used in food packaging. We have critically reviewed active release packaging as an innovative solution to address these concerning effects. Particular attention is paid to controlled release, encapsulation methods, and natural active agents. Other aspects of active packaging development such as stringent safety legislations are also discussed, alongside highlighting developmental hurdles. Certain technologies are underscored as revolutionary for the field of active packaging: in particular, stimuli-responsive materials, reliable controlled-release mechanisms, and the synergy of active packaging and intelligent packaging. Encapsulation is described as an important method of achieving controlled release. The potential of electrospun biopolymeric fibers to encapsulate natural antimicrobial or antioxidant molecules is also noted. Importantly, the review discusses the incorporation of nanomaterials and subsequent increased commercialization success due to the modulation of Bioplastic properties. In order to outcompete inexpensive petroleum-based plastics, these novel packaging materials must have good mechanical properties, good barrier properties, well-defined controlled release studies, and good biodegradation rates. Overall, it is evident that biopolymeric active-release packaging incorporating natural active compounds will serve as a high-potential, sustainable replacement for ubiquitous petroleum-based plastics.

Biodegradable biopolymers for active packaging: demand, development and directions

“…89,90 For a more in-depth of discussion of encapsulation and controlled release methods, a review was recently published by our group. 17…”

Poly(vinyl chloride) Derived Food Packaging Applications with Antioxidative and Anticancer Properties

“…These progressions are the two principal causes of deterioration of many foods and because of the various stages associated with getting food to market safely (e.g., production, transport, processing, and storage), there are numerous opportunities for initiation and prolonged decay to occur. In addition, the adverse effects of food oxidation reduce its nutritional value largely due to the breakdown of essential fatty acids that may be present in the parental foodstuff. , Active packaging protects the nutritional value of foods by functioning as a protective shield to prevent deterioration brought on by the environment. Consequently, effective active packaging materials are highly beneficial as they have a significant capability to improve food quality, safety, and shelf life. − …”

Natural Active Ingredients for Poly (Lactic Acid)-Based Materials: State of the Art and Perspectives

“…Currently, innovation focuses on transposing active packaging technology into biodegradable materials to reduce plastic waste, which is a major cause of environmental pollution. In particular, the use of innovative PLA-based materials incorporating AI represents an alternative to mitigate the accumulation of plastics and the production of food waste [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”