Smart alginate nanomaterials: Revolutionizing food across delivery, preservation, packaging, safety, and waste upcycling

As the global population grows, the demand for safe food security aligned with sustainable development objectives becomes increasingly critical. This review delves into the innovative design techniques of stimuli-responsive smart alginate nanomaterials. It focuses on smart alginate hybrid nanomaterials and their nanocomposites that react to external stimuli. pH-responsive smart alginate hybrid nanomaterials are effectively utilized for the targeted delivery of bioactive components. Conversely, pH, temperature, specific analytes, and ionic strength-responsive smart alginate nanocomposites have food preservation, packaging, safety, and waste upcycling applications. This paper provides an in-depth examination of recent advancements in pH-responsive smart alginate hybrid nanomaterials, emphasizing targeted distribution systems, including nanoparticles, nanoliposome complexes, high internal phase Pickering emulsions, emulgels, nanogels, nanobioaerogels, and electrospun nanofibers. Moreover, the review highlights how smart alginate nanocomposites contribute to sustainable food preservation and upcycling of food waste, enhancing food safety. Detailed discussions on commercialization regulations underscore the importance of regulatory compliance and safety in deploying these advanced materials.