Recent Advances in the Development of Smart and Active Biodegradable Packaging Materials

• Published in: Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 11; no. 5; p. 1331
• Main Authors: Sani, Mahmood Alizadeh, Azizi-Lalabadi, Maryam, Tavassoli, Milad, Mohammadi, Keyhan, McClements, David Julian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 18.05.2021; MDPI
• Subjects: active packaging; Antimicrobial agents; Antioxidants; biocomposite films; Biodegradability; Biodegradable materials; Biodegradation; Biopolymers; By products; Cellulose; colorimetric indicators; Dairy products; Environmental impact; Food; Food industry; Food packaging; Food processing industry; Food quality; Food safety; Industrial safety; Ingredients; Lipids; Meat; Meat industry; Milk; Nanoparticles; Packaging materials; Plastics; Polymers; Product safety; Proteins; Review; Safety; smart materials; Smart sensors; Zinc oxides; biodegradability; active packaging; biocomposite films; smart materials; colorimetric indicators
• ISSN: 2079-4991; 2079-4991
• DOI: 10.3390/nano11051331

Interest in the development of smart and active biodegradable packaging materials is increasing as food manufacturers try to improve the sustainability and environmental impact of their products, while still maintaining their quality and safety. Active packaging materials contain components that enhance their functionality, such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, light blockers, or oxygen barriers. Smart packaging materials contain sensing components that provide an indication of changes in food attributes, such as alterations in their quality, maturity, or safety. For instance, a smart sensor may give a measurable color change in response to a deterioration in food quality. This article reviews recent advances in the development of active and smart biodegradable packaging materials in the food industry. Moreover, studies on the application of these packaging materials to monitor the freshness and safety of food products are reviewed, including dairy, meat, fish, fruit and vegetable products. Finally, the potential challenges associated with the application of these eco-friendly packaging materials in the food industry are discussed, as well as potential future directions.