Natural functional agents reinforced biopolymer composites for active food packaging applications: a review

Background The need for sustainable and biodegradable packaging solutions has amplified research in the direction of natural functional agents loaded biopolymer-based composite films and coatings for active food packaging. Biopolymers mainly obtained from various renewable resources like plants, animals, microorganisms as well as agro-food wastes, are biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic in nature, making them ideal alternatives to the petroleum-based synthetic plastics for food packaging. Scope and approach Natural functional additives obtained from plants like essential oils, plant extract, etc., can be incorporated into the biopolymers to enhance their physico-chemical, mechanical, barrier, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as sustainable alternatives to the synthetic nanofillers, which can be toxic and can interact with foods, particularly for food packaging applications. The nature obtained functional agents are advantageous over synthetic ones due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and safer interaction with food products, aligning with the growing consumer demand for clean-label and eco-friendly packaging solutions. This review highlights the recent advancements in natural active agents reinforced biopolymer-based active food packaging systems, their effects on various functional properties of composite packaging materials i.e., active films and coatings. It also highlights applications of natural functional agents-based active packaging in shelf-life extension and quality protection of various perishable foods including fruits and vegetables, muscle foods and dairy products . Key findings and conclusions Reinforcement of natural functional agents in biopolymeric matrix improves various functional properties like mechanical, thermal, barrier against gas, moisture, UV light, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities . Integration of such sustainable materials obtained from natural resources into active packaging aligns with global efforts to protect environment, food wastage and ensure food security in order to achieve sustainable development goals.