Green Nanotechnological Approaches for Antimicrobial Bio-Packaging in Food Systems

Rising concern about environmental pollution due to traditional plastic packaging and growing demand for food safety have promoted the emergence of sustainable options in the food sector. Biodegradable packaging materials, sourced from renewable resources, are gaining popularity due to their biodegradability and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, their limited antimicrobial activity is a limiting factor in the successful preservation of food. Green nanotechnology offers a promising solution through the development of nanoparticles using natural and non-toxic processes. When added to biopolymers, green-synthesized nanoparticles improve packaging material properties such as antimicrobial, mechanical, and barrier properties. These antimicrobial bio-packaging prolongs the shelf life of food items while also supporting sustainable and circular economy objectives. This new trend has great potential to transform food packaging systems in a way that maintains food safety while reducing the environmental footprint.

The major objective of this study is to create sustainable, antimicrobial bio-packaging materials from green nanotechnology to solve the twin problems of food contamination and plastic pollution. Traditional plastic packaging, though helpful in maintaining shelf life, plays a major role in environmental degradation and is not biodegradable. While bio-based packaging materials are the environmentally friendly alternative, their low antimicrobial and barrier properties make them unsuitable for practical use in food quality and safety preservation. The present study will investigate the integration of green-synthesized nanoparticles prepared via green routes from plant extracts or Agri-waste into biodegradable polymers for boosting their functional and antimicrobial characteristics. In this way, the research intends to offer a sustainable, environmentally friendly option that maintains food safety, minimizes spoilage, and is aligned with circular economy and sustainability principles. This hybrid method can transform food packaging systems to be safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

This issue explores green nanotechnological strategies for developing antimicrobial bio-packaging in food systems. It involves the eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles from plant-based or waste-derived sources, their incorporation into biodegradable polymers, and evaluation of properties such as antimicrobial activity, mechanical strength, barrier performance, and biodegradability. The study also examines their effects on food safety, shelf-life extension, consumer health, and environmental impact. Overall, it aims to connect sustainable materials science with food technology, supporting circular economy and zero-waste goals through innovative packaging solutions.



Topics of interest in this issue include (but are not limited to):

1. Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Food Packaging Applications

2. Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites for Smart and Active Food Packaging

3. Agri-Waste Valorization to Produce Antimicrobial Nanomaterials in Packaging

4. Plant-Extract Mediated Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Tool for Enhancing Bio-Packaging

5. Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Action of Green Nanoparticles in Food Packaging Systems

6. Environmental Impact and Biodegradability Assessment of Nano-Enhanced Bio-Packaging

7. Consumer Safety and Regulatory Perspectives of Nano-enabled Bio packaging

8. Integration of Intelligent Sensors with Bio-Nanocomposite Films for Real-Time Food Monitoring

9. Edible Films Enriched with Natural Nano-Antimicrobials for Perishable Food Products

10. Comparative Study of Synthetic vs. Green Nanoparticles in Food Packaging Systems

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Natural Antimicrobials, Green Nanotechnology, Sustainable Packaging, Microbial Safety, Food Contact Materials

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