Carbon nanomaterial-based sensors for smart packaging of food products

The use of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) in intelligent packaging (IntPack) represents a significant advancement in addressing food safety, quality, and shelf-life concerns. CNMs like carbon nanotubes, graphene, fullerenes, and carbon dots possess exceptional properties, making them well-suited for improving packaging materials. These NMs can improve barrier properties, mechanical performance, and incorporate intelligent functionalities like sensing, indicating, and controlled release systems. IntPack systems utilizing CNMs can monitor and respond to environmental changes, providing real-time information on food condition, thus enhancing protection and communication throughout the supply chain. Although the benefits are promising, issues like potential toxicity, environmental effects, and regulatory requirements must be tackled to ensure safe and effective implementation. Future research should focus on scalable production methods, multifunctional hybrid systems, and integration with Internet of Things technologies to fully realize the potential of CNMs in food IntPack.