Bionanocomposite Films for Food Packaging Applications

Concerns about environmental hazards caused by the disposal of non-biodegradable petroleum-derived plastic packaging materials and consumer demand for high quality food products have raised interest in the development of biodegradable packaging materials using renewable natural biopolymers. Intrinsic shortcomings of natural polymer-based packaging materials such as low mechanical properties and low barrier properties can be improved by applying nanotechnology. Polymer nanocomposites, especially natural biopolymers incorporated with organic or inorganic nanofillers exhibit markedly improved packaging properties due to large surface area and significant aspect ratios of nanofillers. In addition, natural biopolymers are susceptible to microorganisms, resulting in good biodegradability, which is one of the most promising characteristics for their use as packaging materials. The present article explains the various types of biopolymers and nanofillers used for the formation of nanocomposite films. It also gives an overview of the functional properties of nanocomposite films such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and degradation in addition to the most recent advances and emerging new aspects of nanotechnology for the development of environmentally-friendly food packaging materials.