Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Active and Smart Food Packaging for Shelf-Life Extension

Nanotechnology has emerged as an important tool in food preservation by enabling innovative approaches for monitoring product quality and designing packaging systems with enhanced functional performance. Nano-enabled packaging materials can extend shelf life, improve food safety, inform consumers about contamination or spoilage, support self-repair of packaging damage, and allow the controlled release of active compounds that maintain product stability. This review provides an overview of current applications of nanotechnology in food packaging and highlights its major functional and technological advantages. The development of nanotechnology-based packaging contributes to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable preservation systems by improving barrier properties, controlling microbial activity, and enabling real-time quality monitoring. These advanced materials have demonstrated strong potential in maintaining the quality of meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other perishable foods. By integrating active and smart functions within a single platform, nanoengineered packaging systems help reduce food waste and enhance storage performance. However, several challenges remain before widespread commercial adoption can be achieved. Key concerns include material safety, cost, effectiveness, and scalability of production. Addressing these issues through continued research and regulatory development is essential for translating laboratory advances into practical, commercially viable packaging solutions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Smart Packaging ، Active Packaging ، Nanomaterials ، Food Packaging Nanotechnology ، Shelf Life