Innovative applications of bio-inspired technology in bio-based food packaging.

Abstract

Traditionally, food packaging was used to extend the shelf life of food or to monitor its condition. Inspired by many biological structures found in nature, bio-inspired functional materials for bio-based food packaging have been shown to have significantly improved capabilities over traditional bio-based food packaging materials in various aspects and to attract consumers through novel freshness preservation features. This review synthesizes recent advances in bio-inspired bio-based food packaging materials that mimic the structure of natural organisms with specific functionalities, with examples of specific biomimetics in different enhancement areas. In general, bio-based materials have certain disadvantages compared to polymer materials, so there is an urgent need for improvement and enhancement in many areas. Biomimicry further inspires the realization of enhancing some basic functions of bio-based materials for packaging (hydrophobicity, mechanical strength, antimicrobial properties, optical properties) and endowing bio-based materials with more new responsiveness and other functions. What is more interesting is that the inspiration of bionics is taken from nature, and such a perspective can also promote further progress and innovation of bio-based food packaging materials.