Biopolymer-based electrospun nanofiber membranes for smart food packaging applications: a review

Food safety is an important concern impacting public health and the well-being of society. Novel food packaging systems are adopted by the market owing to the increased consumer preference for healthy food products. To minimize food spoilage, it is essential to monitor the food quality throughout the food supply chain in real time. The development of food packaging systems such as active and intelligent packaging has been greatly accelerated to meet these requirements. It relies on the development of new materials and technologies to monitor the quality, shelf life, and usability of food products for its end-users. Polymeric nanofibers, which can be easily functionalized, are good candidates for these applications. This review describes the role of electrospun nanofibers in fabricating various active and intelligent food packaging systems. Electrospun nanofibers encapsulated with bioactive ingredients can serve as a promising and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional plastic systems for widespread use. Moreover, nanofiber packaging materials have many functional advantages such as controlled release of active agents, gas permeability, and flexibility. This review will be a valuable source of information for a wide group of researchers working in the area of electrospinning and biopolymer-based active and intelligent food packaging systems.