Starch based biodegradable packaging systems and their interactions with food components, shelf-life implications: A review

Growing environmental concerns surrounding petroleum-based plastics have accelerated the development of starch-based packaging systems as sustainable and biodegradable alternatives. This review critically examines the structure-property relationships of starch films, structure, modifications, interactions with food components, and recent advancements aimed at enhancing their functional performance. Strategies such as chemical modifications, polymer blending, and developing starch-based film with proteins, nanocomposites significantly enhance the mechanical strength, barrier properties, and functional characteristics. The incorporation of natural additives, including essential oils and plant-derived extracts, increases the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, extends the shelf-life of various food products. Recent advancements, such as the integration of biopolymers, reduce water vapor permeability while maintaining the mechanical integrity. Emerging technologies, including reactive extrusion and 3D printing, further support functionalized film fabrication and the valorization of agricultural waste streams. Despite these advances, challenges remain in terms of moisture sensitivity, industrial scalability, and cost-effectiveness. This review synthesizes current insights on starch-based films with their types, properties, performance enhancement strategies, food component interactions, through composition modifications, and sustainability considerations, providing a roadmap for future research toward multifunctional, intelligent, and commercially viable starch-based packaging solutions.