Nanotechnology-Enabled Food Packaging: Advances in Preservation, Safety, and Shelf-Life Extension

Abstract

The integration of nanotechnology into food packaging marks a paradigm shift toward improved preservation, safety, and sustainability. This review explores recent advances in nanotechnology-based packaging, emphasizing mechanisms, applications, and transformative potential in the food industry. Nanotechnology, involving the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale (1–100 nm), enables the creation of nanocomposites and nanostructured films with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and functional properties. These nanosystems facilitate targeted interaction with food matrices, leading to improved quality and protection. Key nanomaterials such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2