Thermoplastic starch-ZnO nanocomposites: A comprehensive review of their applications in functional food packaging

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-12, Vol.282 (Pt 4), p.137099, Article 137099
• Main Authors: Dejene, Bekinew Kitaw, Birilie, Alehegn Atalay, Yizengaw, Megabi Adane, Getahun, Shiferaw Asmammaw
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Active packaging; Anti-Infective Agents - chemistry; Anti-Infective Agents - pharmacology; Antioxidants - chemistry; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Food Packaging - methods; Functional Food; Functional food packaging; Intelligent packaging; Nanocomposites - chemistry; Plastics - chemistry; Starch - chemistry; Sustainable packaging; Thermoplastic starch (TPS); TPS-ZnO nanocomposites; Zinc Oxide - chemistry; ZnO nanoparticles
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137099

The increasing demand for environmentally friendly food packaging solutions has driven extensive research on biodegradable materials, particularly thermoplastic starch (TPS), which is an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Despite its eco-friendliness, TPS exhibits limitations, including inadequate mechanical and thermal properties, high water sensitivity, and low antibacterial activity. Although strategies such as chemical modification, blending, and compatibilizers have been employed to enhance TPS for functional packaging applications, they often fail to address these fundamental issues. A promising approach involves incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, which significantly improve the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and antimicrobial properties of TPS. This review focuses on TPS-ZnO nanocomposites, a notable subcategory of bio-nanocomposites recognized for their enhanced functional properties in food packaging applications. It discusses the synthesis and properties of these nanocomposites, particularly their mechanical, thermal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Moreover, this review explores the various applications of TPS-ZnO nanocomposites in active, intelligent, and sustainable food packaging, emphasizing their potential to address the pressing challenges of food waste and environmental impact. [Display omitted] •TPS is an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics for food packaging.•However, TPS has limitations such as poor mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties.•Addition of ZnO nanoparticles enhances TPS properties, making it viable for packaging.•TPS-ZnO nanocomposites exhibit improved antimicrobial and shelf-life characteristics.•This review explores diverse applications of TPS-ZnO nanocomposites in functional food packaging.