Next-generation bio-packaging systems for food safety and shelf-life extension: controlled-release antimicrobial strategies and migration control

Nahar, L ORCID: 0000-0002-1157-2405, Zhang, Y, Li, J, Wang, D and Sarker, SD ORCID: 0000-0003-4038-0514 (2026) Next-generation bio-packaging systems for food safety and shelf-life extension: controlled-release antimicrobial strategies and migration control. Frontiers in Nutrition, 13.

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Abstract

Next-generation bio-packaging systems employ controlled-release antimicrobial and antioxidant strategies to enhance food preservation while limiting premature depletion of active compounds. Biopolymer matrices and nano-enabled architectures regulate bioactive release through diffusion pathways, encapsulation domains, crystallinity, and matrix organization, thereby influencing preservation efficacy, migration behavior, and food-contact safety. Recent advances demonstrate the effectiveness of engineered antimicrobial systems in controlling microbial proliferation during storage. Hybrid ZnO/graphene oxide/montmorillonite coatings have achieved approximately 60% inhibition of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, highlighting the potential of nano-enabled architectures for sustained antimicrobial protection. Intelligent sensing technologies further support real-time monitoring of freshness and spoilage. Applications across meat, seafood, dairy, fresh produce, bakery, and ready-to-eat foods demonstrate improved shelf life, quality retention, and food safety. Biodegradable materials, renewable feedstocks, and circular-economy compatibility further strengthen the sustainability of these systems. This review examines controlled-release mechanisms, antimicrobial and antioxidant functionalities, intelligent sensing technologies, migration behavior, safety assessment, sustainability considerations, and regulatory perspectives within a unified framework for next-generation bio-packaging systems. Interactions among material structure, bioactive delivery, antimicrobial efficacy, migration characteristics, and food-contact safety determine the performance and application of emerging bio-based packaging technologies. This review integrates controlled-release design, antimicrobial performance, migration control, and food-contact safety to evaluate emerging nano-enabled bio-packaging systems.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1001 Agricultural Biotechnology; 1111 Nutrition and Dietetics; 3210 Nutrition and dietetics
Subjects:	T Technology > TX Home economics > TX341 Nutrition. Foods and food supply R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Divisions:	Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Publisher:	Frontiers Media
Date of acceptance:	9 September 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	28 September 2026
Date Deposited:	28 Sep 2026 10:49
Last Modified:	28 Sep 2026 10:49
DOI or ID number:	10.3389/fnut.2026.1948313
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29542

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