Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Food Packaging From Bio-Based Polymers: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Food packaging is essential for ensuring food safety and quality throughout the supply chain. However, the widespread use of petroleum-based polymers has raised significant environmental concerns. As a result, bio-based polymers have emerged as a sustainable alternative due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution. Additionally, the incorporation of antimicrobial agents into packaging systems is crucial for controlling microbial contamination and extending food shelf life. These agents, including inorganic nanoparticles (e.g., metallic and metal oxides) and organic natural-based compounds, have shown effectiveness in inhibiting microbial growth and mitigating biological contamination. This review highlights recent advances in bio-based polymers and antimicrobial agents, focusing on materials that are both safe and environmentally friendly. It examines various methods for incorporating antimicrobial agents, particularly those derived from natural sources, into food packaging to develop fully bio-based solutions. Moreover, this review addresses the challenges associated with fabricating packaging films tailored for specific products, as well as the future prospects for large-scale, sustainable applications in the food packaging industry. By analyzing the performance of these materials and methodologies, the review aims to provide insights into the potential of bio-based antimicrobial packaging in advancing sustainable food packaging technologies.