Improving the functionality of biodegradable food packaging materials via porous nanomaterials
Review article, 2023

Non-biodegradability and disposal problems are the major challenges associated with synthetic plastic packaging. This review article discusses a new generation of biodegradable active and smart packaging based on porous nanomaterials (PNMs), which maintains the quality and freshness of food products while meeting biodegradability requirements. PNMs have recently gained significant attention in the field of food packaging due to their large surface area, peculiar structures, functional flexibility, and thermal stability. We present for the first time the recently published literature on the incorporation of various PNMs into renewable materials to develop advanced, environmentally friendly, and high-quality packaging technology. Various emerging packaging technologies are discussed in this review, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, it provides general information about PNMs, their characterization, and fabrication methods. It also briefly describes the effects of different PNMs on the functionality of biopolymeric films. Furthermore, we examined how smart packaging loaded with PNMs can improve food shelf life and reduce food waste. The results indicate that PNMs play a critical role in improving the antimicrobial, thermal, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of natural packaging materials. These tailor-made materials can simultaneously extend the shelf life of food while reducing plastic usage and food waste.

porous nanomaterials

biopolymers

biodegradable packaging

nanocomposite films

renewable plastics

Author

Shima Jafarzadeh

Curtin University

Mehrdad Forough

Middle East Technical University (METU)

Vahid Javan Kouzegaran

Urmia University of Medical Science

Masoumeh Zargar

Edith Cowan University

Farhad Garavand

Moorepark Food Research Centre

Maryam Azizi-Lalabadi

Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

Mehdi Abdollahi

Chalmers, Life Sciences, Food and Nutrition Science

Seid Mahdi Jafari

Gorgan University

Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety

15414337 (eISSN)

Vol. 22 4 2850-2886

Subject Categories

Polymer Technologies

DOI

10.1111/1541-4337.13164

PubMed

37115945

More information

Latest update

3/7/2024 9