10.57647/inl.2026.1601.04

Recent Insights into Biodegradable Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications: Prospects and Challenges

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  • Maryam Salehian1,
  • Zeinab Salehi2,
  • Kianoush Khosravi-Darani2,
  1. Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
  2. Department of Food Technology Researches, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2025-10-21

Revised: 2025-03-17

Accepted: 2025-03-26

Published in Issue 2026-06-02

Copyright (c) 2026 Maryam Salehian, Zeinab Salehi, Kianoush Khosravi-Darani (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Salehian, M., Salehi, Z., & Khosravi-Darani, K. (2026). Recent Insights into Biodegradable Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications: Prospects and Challenges. International Nano Letters, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.57647/inl.2026.1601.04
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Abstract

Biodegradable nanocomposites have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional petroleum-based food packaging materials, offering enhanced mechanical strength, improved barrier performance, and active functionalities such as antimicrobial activity. By combining biopolymer matrices with nanoscale fillers, these materials aim to maintain food quality while reducing environmental impact. Numerous studies demonstrate that biodegradable nanocomposites can satisfy key functional requirements of traditional packaging while providing additional performance advantages.

However, despite significant laboratory-scale advancements, several critical challenges continue to limit large-scale implementation. These include scalable manufacturing and nanofiller dispersion control, regulatory compliance, migration safety evaluation, cost competitiveness, and long-term environmental assessment. Addressing these interconnected constraints is essential for translating material innovation into practical packaging solutions.

This review aims to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale material development and real-world packaging applications by addressing technical, safety, and commercialization constraints. By examining current limitations and emerging solutions, the review provides a realistic outlook on the future integration of biodegradable nanocomposites into sustainable food packaging systems.

Keywords

  • Biodegradable nanocomposites,
  • Active food packaging,
  • Nanofiller dispersion,
  • Migration safety,
  • Life cycle assessment,
  • Commercialization challenges
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