Bio-nanocomposite films- production, applications and safety issues: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Biopolymers have been widely utilized for their unique peculiarities of ecofriendliness, easy availability, safety and biocompatibility over their synthetic alternatives. In order to enhance the packaging characteristics as well as to widen their areas of utilization, mixing biopolymers and/or adding nano-sized fillers is found to be an effective method. Packaging is one of the major industries responsible for the nation's GDP and economy. Hence, recent innovative techniques such as bio-nanocomposite film packaging are obtained wide popular acceptance among producers and consumers. Improvement in the film's physical, chemical and functional properties contributes higher shelf life of food products. Bio-nanocomposite films open an excellent opportunity for sustainable growth and development for the packaging industry. Bio-nanocomposite reduces pollution and in the future, it will be the best replacer for many plastics. At the same time, proper care must be given to the safety issues of nanomaterials and alternatives for toxic and harmful materials are to be developed. The migration of nano-compounds from bio-nanocomposite films is to be addressed and needs a permanent solution. The compatibility of bio-nanocomposite films provides enormous applications for it. As compared to conventional films the feasibility and overall performance of bio-nanocomposite films are superior. The low cost and weight of bionanocomposite film provide more significant demand for it in the market. The polymeric matrix incorporated with properly-dispersed nanofillers may enhance the physicochemical qualities of the obtained bio-nanocomposites, mainly mechanical, barrier, thermal and optical properties