Strategies, mechanism, and prospects for wood biomass-based intelligent food packaging materials

Abstract

Wood-based biomass has become an ideal choice for intelligent packaging due to its unique structural properties and ecological friendliness. Key components of wood, such as cellulose and lignin, can be chemically or physically modified to active materials that respond to external stimuli (temperature, humidity and pH), making them suitable for intelligent packaging applications. This paper focuses on the intelligent packaging potential of wood biomass, combs the preparation method of wood biomass and its application in intelligent food packaging, highlights its unique advantages, breaks through the limitations of traditional packaging materials, and puts forward green, intelligent and sustainable packaging strategies. Future research should focus on the development of high-performance wood-based composites through advanced modifications such as nanocellulose reinforcement, antibacterial coatings, and reactive materials, while integrating cutting-edge sensing technologies to enhance their functionality. Supported by policy incentives and the growing consumer demand for sustainable solutions, large-scale production and cost optimization are crucial for widespread adoption, positioning wood-based biomass intelligent packaging as a promising candidate to deliver greener, more efficient, and intelligent solutions for the food industry.