Tailoring Synergistic Polylactic Acid–Based Nanocomposites for Sustainable Antimicrobial Fruit Packaging

Abstract

The rising demand for sustainable and antimicrobial packaging materials has fuelled innovations in polymer-based solutions, especially in the preservation of fresh fruit to reduce food waste and enhance food safety. This review delves into the advancement and refinement of nanocomposites based on polylactic acid (PLA) for sustainable antimicrobial fruit packaging, emphasising the synergistic effects of combining PLA with nanofillers and antimicrobial agents, such as metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, plant extracts and essential oils (EOs) and carbon nanomaterial. By elucidating the synergistic effects that emerge from these combinations, this review examines the ability to enhance mechanical and antibacterial properties of PLA, followed by a review of the recent changes in sustainable fruit packaging solutions that integrate technological features and environmental considerations. Ultimately, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in PLA-based antimicrobial packaging, offering insights on the environmental benefits of integrating antimicrobial functionality into PLA-based materials and the future of sustainable packaging for fruit preservation.