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Review
. 2023 May 17;15(10):2336.
doi: 10.3390/polym15102336.

Current Applications of Bionanocomposites in Food Processing and Packaging

João Ricardo Afonso Pires  1 , Carolina Rodrigues  1 , Isabel Coelhoso  2 , Ana Luisa Fernando  1 , Victor Gomes Lauriano Souza  1   3
Affiliations
Review

Current Applications of Bionanocomposites in Food Processing and Packaging

João Ricardo Afonso Pires et al. Polymers (Basel). .

Abstract

Nanotechnology advances are rapidly spreading through the food science field; however, their major application has been focused on the development of novel packaging materials reinforced with nanoparticles. Bionanocomposites are formed with a bio-based polymeric material incorporated with components at a nanoscale size. These bionanocomposites can also be applied to preparing an encapsulation system aimed at the controlled release of active compounds, which is more related to the development of novel ingredients in the food science and technology field. The fast development of this knowledge is driven by consumer demand for more natural and environmentally friendly products, which explains the preference for biodegradable materials and additives obtained from natural sources. In this review, the latest developments of bionanocomposites for food processing (encapsulation technology) and food packaging applications are gathered.

Keywords: active packaging; biodegradable polymers; encapsulation; food safety; food technology; intelligent packaging; nanotechnology.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Advantages of bionanocomposites compared to traditional petroleum-based packaging.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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