Innovations and Applications of Bio-Nanocomposites in Sustainable Food Packaging
Hari Shankar Biswas, Antara Roy, Amit Kundu, Dilip K. Maiti
Abstract
The rising demand for sustainable food packaging has spurred advancements in bio-nanocomposites, which blend biodegradable biopolymers like starch, cellulose, and PLA with nanomaterials such as nanoclays, cellulose nanocrystals, carbon-based materials, and metal oxide nanoparticles. This combination enhances mechanical strength, thermal stability, and barrier properties, making them ideal for modern packaging. This chapter reviews synthesis methods—including solution casting, melt blending, and in situ polymerization—and explores their impact on material properties. Key functionalities such as antimicrobial activity, biodegradability, and shelf-life extension are discussed, along with emerging applications in active and intelligent packaging. Challenges like nanoparticle dispersion, polyme