Multi-functional reinforced food packaging using delivery carriers: A comprehensive review of preparation, properties, and applications

With the rapid development of globalization, food packaging takes on more responsibility, while guaranteeing product quality and safety. In this context, the health risks associated with chemically synthesized additives and inorganic nanoparticles have opened a new chapter in the reinforcement of food packaging with natural active ingredients. Various delivery carriers have been developed to overcome the limitations of poor stability, uneven dispersion, and low bioavailability of natural active ingredients. The combination of encapsulation technologies can increase the biocompatibility of the active ingredient with the packaging material. Moreover, the protective and slow-release effects of the carrier matrix on the active ingredients are desirable for the reinforcement of food packaging. This review presents the latest advances in the application of delivery systems in food packaging, including the types of delivery systems used in food packaging, reinforced properties of food packaging, and potential applications in the food industry. Previous scientific studies found that active ingredient-loaded delivery carriers increased the effectiveness of food packaging in preventing food spoilage. Furthermore, the integration of active packaging with smart food packaging exhibits the synergistic effects of freshness monitoring and quality preservation. This review also discusses the challenges and trends in reinforcing food packaging with delivery carriers under a synergistic strategy that will provide new ideas and insights for the development and application of innovative food packaging.