ABSTRACT
Abstract: The use of biocompatible and renewable polymers incorporating nanostructures for the development of active and intelligent food packaging has the potential to revolutionize this sector. Several biopolymers, including polysaccharides, proteins, polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) and microbial polyesters, have been combined with different nanollers, to obtain materials with improved mechanical and barrier properties. Nanometric materials such as nanoclays, nanocellulose, carbon nanotubes, nanosilica and chitosan/chitin nanoparticles have been successfully incorporated in biopolymer-based lms, resulting in packaging with advanced characteristics. Nanostructured anti-microbials combined with biopolymers have promising applications as active packaging in the food industry. Active nanocomposite lms containing natural anti-microbials such as bacteriocins, essential oils, antimicrobial enzymes, or metallic nanoparticles have been developed. These active nanocomposites
are valuable packaging materials to provide enhanced food safety. In addition, nanoparticles can be used as reactive particles (nanosensors) in renewable packaging materials to inform about the state of the package. Nanocomposites are promising materials for use in food packaging applications as feasible and safe alternative to the traditional non-biodegradable plastics.
