Full title:Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for encapsulation of natural active substances in food applications: a review.

Abstract

With the increasing global attention to food safety, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have become potential materials in the food industry due to their high specific surface area (typically>1000m2/g). Their value in encapsulating natural actives is recognized, but how synthesis/structure affects food system performance remains unclear, limiting application. This study hypothesizes solvothermal, diffusion and ionothermal synthesized MOFs can encapsulate actives to extend shelf life, enhance nutrition and antibacterial properties. According to existing research, we analyzed the application of MOF-based food systems and evaluated its preservation, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. We have come to some conclusions: solvothermal MOFs exhibit the highest encapsulation efficiency (curcumin 92 %, 14-21 days release in aqueous matrices); Customized MOFs enable efficient encapsulation release, extending food shelf life by 30 %-50 %. The research results are within the scope of inclusion in the Journal of Food Chemistry.