Leveraging synergistic effects of metallic nanoparticles and essential oils in biopolymers: Emerging nanocomposites for food packaging applications–A review
Food packaging is vital for protecting food from contamination and extending shelf life. The reliance on synthetic plastics raises significant environmental concerns as much of this waste ends up in landfills and ecosystems. Biopolymers, derived from renewable plant and animal sources are promising...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Agriculture and Food Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266615432500256X |
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| Summary: | Food packaging is vital for protecting food from contamination and extending shelf life. The reliance on synthetic plastics raises significant environmental concerns as much of this waste ends up in landfills and ecosystems. Biopolymers, derived from renewable plant and animal sources are promising alternatives owing to their biodegradability and sustainability. However, they have limitations such as inferior mechanical properties and barrier performance. Integrating metallic nanoparticles, such as silver, zinc, titanium, and copper, can enhance these properties, but their potential toxicity at high levels necessitates careful management. Simultaneously, the bioactive properties of essential oils in biopolymers have been explored, although challenges, such as aroma instability and uncontrolled migration, complicate their use. The synergistic combination of essential oils with metallic nanoparticles in biopolymers creates a new class of nanocomposites, offering dual benefits: reduced nanoparticle loading and sustainable delivery of essential oils while enhancing aroma profiles. This review synthesizes the current research on these innovations, elucidates the interaction mechanisms between nanoparticles and essential oils, and assesses the functional performance of these emerging nanocomposites for food packaging. Finally, it emphasizes the need for further investigation of their practical applications and the development of guidelines for safe commercialization in the food packaging industry. |
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| ISSN: | 2666-1543 |