Multifunctional Metal–Phenolic Networks: A Game-Changer in Food Preservation Technologies

Metal–phenolic networks (MPNs) represent a novel class of functional materials formed through coordination-driven self-assembly between polyphenolic compounds and metal ions, which exhibit synergistic properties by integrating the advantages of both components. These materials have garnered increasing attention in the food industry due to their straightforward preparation, environmental compatibility, and diverse raw material sources. Notably, MPNs not only preserve the intrinsic characteristics of metal ions but also capitalize on the exceptional surface affinity of polyphenols, facilitating stable surface modifications across diverse substrates. Recent advances have revealed that MPNs possess a range of remarkable functional properties, including superior antioxidant capacity, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, pH responsiveness, photothermal sterilization capability, and excellent adsorption performance. These multifunctional features position MPNs as promising materials for various food applications ranging from bioactive compound encapsulation and delivery to intelligent food packaging, hazardous substance detection, and food wastewater treatment. This comprehensive review systematically investigates MPNs’ assembly mechanism, construction strategies, critical assembly parameters, state-of-the-art characterization techniques, and functional properties, with particular emphasis on their emerging applications in food preservation. The findings provide a solid theoretical foundation and technical guidance for developing next-generation food-grade functional materials based on MPNs technology, while offering novel perspectives for advancing food science and technology.