Carbon-based nanofillers for biodegradable food packaging applications: A review

Initially, non-degradable plastics have been employed to fulfil the demand for food packaging. However, increasing environmental concerns associated with conventional packaging materials have prompted a search for sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable polymer-based materials are emerging as significant options for packaging applications that align with the principles of sustainable development. Nevertheless, these materials frequently exhibit limitations in their properties when applied to food packaging. In response to these challenges, the development of bio-nanocomposites offers a novel approach to enhancing the properties of biodegradable materials. Incorporating nanosized fillers into biodegradable polymer matrices can facilitate the production of bio-nanocomposite food packaging. Carbon-based nanofillers have become a prominent strategy for generating nanocomposites with improved functionalities among the various methodologies. Noteworthy carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and graphitic carbon nitride have been identified as effective agents for enhancing the performance characteristics of biodegradable packaging. The present review aims to elucidate recent advancements concerning the impact of carbon-based nanomaterials on the barrier, functional, mechanical, thermal, visual, and biodegradability properties of polymers, particularly in the context of biodegradable food packaging applications, while also providing insights into future directions in this field.