An overview of clay-polymer nanocomposites containing bioactive compounds for food packaging applications

Clay-polymer nanocomposites can be functionalized with natural bioactive compounds found in plants as a way to improve the physicochemical properties as well as the functional properties of the resulting films and coatings for potential application in food protection. The presence of clays as a component in food packaging can provide these systems with several advantages, acting as a container to stabilize the bioactive compounds, as well as a vehicle for their controlled release, affording barrier properties against moisture and enhancing the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. In this review, we used a comprehensive literature search to provide an overview of the most recent and significant insights on the functionalization of clay-based nanocomposites with natural additives extracted from plants or active compounds isolated from those extracts. Special emphasis was dedicated to the scientific outcome rising from the physicochemical properties of such engineered materials and their applications to satisfy the need for food quality and safety.

Automated summary

By functionalizing clay-polymer nanocomposites with natural bioactive compounds found in plants, the physicochemical and functional properties of resulting films and coatings can be improved for potential applications in food protection. The presence of clays in food packaging provides advantages such as stabilizing bioactive compounds, controlled release, moisture barrier properties, and enhancing mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. This review highlights insights on functionalizing clay-based nanocomposites with natural additives extracted from plants for food quality and safety applications.