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Although food is a valuable commodity, almost one-third of food produced for human consumption is wasted or lost during transportation. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development reflects growing global concern about food loss and waste (FWL) and the environmental, economic and social consequences it causes. The production of FWL is influenced by several factors, one of which is packaging. In 2019, the global food packaging market was worth $300 billion, and experts predict that it will grow by $60 billion by 2025. Food packaging is essential to ensure the quality and safety of edible food, extend the life of edible food, and improve consumer convenience. Over the past 50 years, plastics have been widely used in the packaging industry due to their durability, adaptability, and manufacturing cost-effectiveness. However, as their use has expanded, plastics have caused serious environmental concerns due to their poor decomposition. Biopolymers are a promising alternative to plastics because they can replicate the characteristics of traditional polymers while breaking down quickly in the environment. Reusing plastic packaging is impractical and often uneconomical because the materials can become contaminated with food and biological agents. Because of this, hundreds of tons of plastic products end up in landfills every year, exacerbating the problem of urban waste management. As the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging materials continues to grow, there is growing interest in investigating innovative methods that provide improved functionality and reduce environmental impact. In this context, electrospinning technology is emerging as a potential approach for developing nanofiber-based food packaging systems that have unique properties that can preserve a variety of food materials during both short-term and long-term storage.
The main point of this paper
Characteristics of Zein:
Zein is a protein extracted from corn, which is biodegradable and biocompatible, and is an environmentally friendly functional material.
It has good film-forming properties and hydrophobicity, and is suitable for the development of films and nanofibers with good mechanical strength, gas barrier properties and controlled release capabilities.
The brittleness and insufficient mechanical properties of zein limit its application, but it can be converted into fibers through electrospinning technology to improve these shortcomings.
Application of electrospinning technology:
Electrospinning technology can produce submicron or nanoscale polymer fibers and is a versatile, cost-effective method.
The technology can be carried out under mild conditions, protect the activity of the load material, and achieve targeted release.
By changing the solution properties and process parameters, different material forms can be customized to meet various needs.
Research progress of zein nanofibers:
Researchers have explored strategies to improve the electrospinnability of zein, improve the morphology, mechanical properties and functions of the fibers.
Additives, fillers or bioactive compounds are added to the zein matrix to develop multifunctional nanofibers with antibacterial, antioxidant or hygroscopic properties.
Zein nanofibers can provide enhanced barrier properties against oxidation, moisture, and UV radiation, extending the life of perishable foods.
Smart and active packaging:
Zein nanofibers can be functionalized by incorporating antimicrobials, antioxidants, or other bioactive compounds to provide effective packaging solutions.
Smart packaging systems, such as biosensors or indicators to monitor food quality and safety, are also active areas of research
Advantages of Zein:
Natural, renewable, biocompatible and biodegradable.
Good physical properties, such as hydrophobicity and self-assembly ability, suitable for food packaging.
Electrospinning technology:
Produces nanofibers with high specific surface area and adjustable mechanical and thermal properties.
Allows the integration of various additives to enhance the functionality of packaging.
Performance enhancement:
Provides barrier properties against oxidation, moisture and UV radiation.
Improves food shelf life and safety through functionalization.
Active and smart packaging:
Antimicrobial agents and antioxidants can be added to achieve food quality monitoring.
Challenges and development directions:
Issues such as production scale-up, parameter optimization, morphology control and performance improvement need to be addressed.
Future research needs to overcome challenges and explore the potential of Zein in food packaging.
In summary, the continued development of nanotechnology in the field of food packaging, especially the development of electrospun zein nanofibers, provides a strong foundation for future development. By addressing the identified limitations and leveraging collaborative efforts, the potential to create sustainable, efficient and tailored packaging solutions becomes increasingly promising. Zein-based nanofibers, through strategic improvements, will play a transformative role in the preservation and quality maintenance of food. The future roadmap requires interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that zein nanofibers can fully realize their potential in reshaping the field of food packaging technology.
