Technological advancements in zein-based nano-colloids: Current emerging trends in sustainable packaging and their potential in enhancing shelf-life of fresh fruits
Jawad Ashraf , Nadia Ismail , Tabussam Tufail , Jiyao Zhang , Jin Chen , Abdur Rehman , Zahoor Ahmed , Bin Xu
{"title":"Technological advancements in zein-based nano-colloids: Current emerging trends in sustainable packaging and their potential in enhancing shelf-life of fresh fruits","authors":"Jawad Ashraf , Nadia Ismail , Tabussam Tufail , Jiyao Zhang , Jin Chen , Abdur Rehman , Zahoor Ahmed , Bin Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.fpsl.2025.101523","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global issue of food loss in the fruit supply chain has gained significant attention due to the limited shelf life of perishable fruits, which are known for their high nutritional value and health benefits. Nano-colloids (NCS) have emerged as a cutting-edge technology for preserving the nutritional quality and freshness of fruits. Zein, a maize industrial byproduct, has drawn interest from several researchers due to its remarkable biocompatibility and biodegradability for film development. Zein-based NCS (ZNCS) have a wide range of applications, including fruit preservation and biomedical uses. ZNCS-based sustainable packaging offers eco-friendly and easily biodegradable alternative to traditional fruit packaging, thereby reducing plastic waste pollution. This review highlights the use of ZNCS for encapsulating and safely releasing bioactive agents such as antimicrobials, vitamins, flavors, and antioxidants in fruit preservation. This article delves into the study of ZNCS, nanoscale fiber characterization, coacervates, particles, emulsions, composites, functionalization with bioactive compounds, and their incorporation into sustainable fruit packaging material. Furthermore, it explores the process through which ZNCS interact with fruit surfaces, enhancing their ability to protect from environmental factors and fruit damage. This study also provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact, regulatory concerns, and future prospects for ZNCS in fruit industries. Conclusively, this review encourages further research on the use of ZNCS in the fruit industry, providing a comprehensive understanding of their potential and limitations, and exploring sustainable and effective fruit packaging strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12377,"journal":{"name":"Food Packaging and Shelf Life","volume":"49 ","pages":"Article 101523"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Food Packaging and Shelf Life","FirstCategoryId":"97","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214289425000936","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The global issue of food loss in the fruit supply chain has gained significant attention due to the limited shelf life of perishable fruits, which are known for their high nutritional value and health benefits. Nano-colloids (NCS) have emerged as a cutting-edge technology for preserving the nutritional quality and freshness of fruits. Zein, a maize industrial byproduct, has drawn interest from several researchers due to its remarkable biocompatibility and biodegradability for film development. Zein-based NCS (ZNCS) have a wide range of applications, including fruit preservation and biomedical uses. ZNCS-based sustainable packaging offers eco-friendly and easily biodegradable alternative to traditional fruit packaging, thereby reducing plastic waste pollution. This review highlights the use of ZNCS for encapsulating and safely releasing bioactive agents such as antimicrobials, vitamins, flavors, and antioxidants in fruit preservation. This article delves into the study of ZNCS, nanoscale fiber characterization, coacervates, particles, emulsions, composites, functionalization with bioactive compounds, and their incorporation into sustainable fruit packaging material. Furthermore, it explores the process through which ZNCS interact with fruit surfaces, enhancing their ability to protect from environmental factors and fruit damage. This study also provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact, regulatory concerns, and future prospects for ZNCS in fruit industries. Conclusively, this review encourages further research on the use of ZNCS in the fruit industry, providing a comprehensive understanding of their potential and limitations, and exploring sustainable and effective fruit packaging strategies.
期刊介绍:
Food packaging is crucial for preserving food integrity throughout the distribution chain. It safeguards against contamination by physical, chemical, and biological agents, ensuring the safety and quality of processed foods. The evolution of novel food packaging, including modified atmosphere and active packaging, has extended shelf life, enhancing convenience for consumers. Shelf life, the duration a perishable item remains suitable for sale, use, or consumption, is intricately linked with food packaging, emphasizing its role in maintaining product quality and safety.