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Antimicrobial nanoparticles and biodegradable polymer composites for active food packaging applications
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This review examines active food packaging materials that combine antimicrobial nanoparticles—including metal oxides, mesoporous silica, and graphene—with biodegradable biopolymers such as cellulose, chitosan, and gelatin. These composite materials extend shelf life and reduce foodborne pathogen risk while addressing the environmental concerns of conventional plastic packaging.
The food industry faces numerous challenges to assure provision of tasty and convenient food that possesses extended shelf life and shows long-term high-quality preservation. Research and development of antimicrobial materials for food applications have provided active antibacterial packaging technologies that are able to meet these challenges. Furthermore, consumers expect and demand sustainable packaging materials that would reduce environmental problems associated with plastic waste. In this review, we discuss antimicrobial composite materials for active food packaging applications that combine highly efficient antibacterial nanoparticles (i.e., metal, metal oxide, mesoporous silica and graphene-based nanomaterials) with biodegradable and environmentally friendly green polymers (i.e., gelatin, alginate, cellulose, and chitosan) obtained from plants, bacteria, and animals. In addition, innovative syntheses and processing techniques used to obtain active and safe packaging are showcased. Implementation of such green active packaging can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne pathogen outbreaks, improve food safety and quality, and minimize product losses, while reducing waste and maintaining sustainability.
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This review examines how nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanofibers can be incorporated into biopolymer-based food packaging films to overcome the mechanical and antibacterial limitations of natural polymers, offering a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived plastic packaging.
Smart Biodegradable Food Packaging Using Active Nanocomposites: A Sustainable Future for Food Preservation
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Researchers developed a biodegradable food packaging film by embedding active nanocomposites — including antimicrobial and antioxidant agents — into a polysaccharide matrix, finding the resulting smart material significantly extended shelf life of perishables while fully degrading under composting conditions.
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This review covered the shift toward sustainable food packaging materials including biopolymers and biodegradable blends as alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics. The authors highlighted active packaging innovations where bio-based materials incorporate antimicrobial or antioxidant properties while meeting food safety and shelf-life requirements.
Nano-Enhanced Biodegradable Packaging Materials for Extended Food Shelf-Life
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Researchers reviewed how incorporating nanomaterials — such as nanoclays, metal oxide nanoparticles, and cellulose nanofibers — into biodegradable food packaging significantly enhances mechanical strength, barrier properties, and antimicrobial performance while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Biodegradable polymer-based active packaging: role of functional additives in enhancing food quality and sustainability
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Scientists are developing food packaging made from plant-based, biodegradable materials mixed with natural ingredients (like antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds) that can keep food fresher longer while breaking down instead of piling up as plastic waste. This review paper summarizes existing research, showing these "smart" packages can even include sensors that tell you if your food is spoiling, a promising step toward cutting both food waste and plastic pollution, which matters since traditional plastic packaging is linked to microplastic contamination in our food and bodies.
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