An Overview on the Role of Nanoparticles for the <scp>UV</scp> Shielding of Bio‐Based Poly(Lactic Acid) Coupled With Enhanced Physico‐Chemical Properties

ABSTRACT In the packaging sector, PLA plays a pivotal role as a sustainable alternative to petroleum‐based polymers, significantly reducing environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for eco‐friendly solutions. However, one of the most significant factors limiting the widespread application of PLA is its high UV transmittance. A substantial portion of harmful UV light can pass through the polymer without being absorbed, leading to the photodegradation of the materials contained within. To address this issue, various types of organic and inorganic materials, including nanoparticles (NPs), have been incorporated into the PLA matrix to shield against detrimental UV radiation. This review discusses the employment of several types of NPs, including TiO 2 , ZnO, HNTs, lignin, CNCs, and quantum dots, mainly as UV‐blocking agents to enhance PLA's ability to protect against harmful UV radiation. It also provides significant insights into NPs concentrations to prevent agglomeration, UV‐shielding mechanisms, and surface modification techniques to reduce agglomeration while enhancing other polymer properties, such as mechanical strength and photostability. Finally, this review outlines our perspective on future research directions, focusing on the design of eco‐friendlier, cost‐efficient, and high‐performance UV‐blocking agents for PLA with the aim of enriching industry with innovation and sustainable packaging solutions.