Nanoparticle-Loaded Polysaccharide-Based Edible Coatings and Films for Food Preservation: Functional Performance, Safety, and Emerging Technologies

The growing demand for sustainable and effective food preservation has increased interest in edible coatings as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional packaging. This narrative review synthesizes and critically evaluates studies published between 2021 and 2026 on nanoparticle-loaded polysaccharide-based edible coatings and films for food preservation, highlighting recent advances, emerging research trends, current challenges, and future research directions. Edible coatings/films based on natural polymers, including polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, provide biodegradable barriers against moisture, oxygen, and microbial contamination. However, their practical use is often limited by inadequate mechanical strength, high water vapor permeability, and limited antimicrobial activity. Recent studies have shown that incorporating nanoparticles into edible coating matrices can improve these properties. This review summarizes recent developments in nanoparticle-loaded edible coatings for food preservation, with emphasis on inorganic nanoparticles (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and silver nanoparticles) and biopolymeric nanomaterials (e.g., nanocellulose and nanochitosan). Reported studies indicate that nanoparticle incorporation (typically 1–5% w/w) can increase tensile strength by 30–70%, reduce water vapor permeability by up to 60%, and provide antimicrobial inhibition exceeding 90% against common foodborne pathogens. The review also discusses nanoencapsulation systems for the controlled delivery of bioactive compounds, including essential oils, with reported encapsulation efficiencies of 70–95% and sustained release during storage. In addition, recent fabrication approaches, such as ultrasonication, electrospinning, and cold plasma modification, are outlined for their potential to improve coating performance. Finally, current challenges related to nanoparticle safety, migration, regulatory considerations, and toxicity assessment, including the application of new approach methodologies (NAMs), are highlighted. The review identifies recent advances and remaining challenges in nanocomposite edible coatings to support future research and the development of sustainable food preservation technologies.