A review on polymer packaging by polysaccharide-based nanocomposite films: crucial role of nanofillers and future application trends

Polymer packaging has been developed a safe, reliable, and intelligent packaging material. Herein, the polysaccharide material like algal polysaccharides, chitosan, and starch are explored for developing polysaccharide-based composite films for food packaging. Compared to conventional synthetic polymers, polysaccharide-based composite films have the characteristics of environmental friendliness, degradability, and safety. However, there are limitations in mechanical and antibacterial properties. Their performance limitations are addressed by incorporating nanofillers. The unique properties of different nanofillers are explored for this. The effects of nanofillers on the multifunctional properties of the packaging films were systematically discussed such as barrier properties, UV resistance, mechanical properties, antibacterial and antioxidant ability, biodegradability, food preservation, controlled release behavior of active ingredients, migration and cytotoxicity of nanofillers. Furthermore, the application limitations and challenges of polysaccharide-based nanocomposite films in the market are also discussed. Exploring the combinations of nanoparticle-polymer can bring novel properties in the packaging industry that can be used in intelligent packaging areas.