Bio-nano-composites containing at least two components, chitosan and zein, for food packaging applications: A review of the nano-composites in comparison with the conventional counterparts

ABSTR A C T Both chitosan and zein are safe industrial biopolymers for the 21St century, respecting environmentally concerns. This review mainly is focused on preparations, properties and applications of a promising food packaging ma-terial, chitosan-zein nano-composite (NC). The properties and applications of the NCs were compared with their conventional counterparts. The structure of chitosan-zein composites was proposed. A procedure for prepara-tions of conventional and nano zein-chitosan composites was proposed. The sizes of composites depend on molecular weight of chitosan and zein, the ratio of chitosan/zein, and pH of chitosan-zein solutions. The NCs had superior mechanical, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties compared with the conventional ones. The properties of the composites were further improved by introduction of bioactive compounds, fillers or plasticizers. The composites have potential to employ as coatings/packaging materials to protect mushroom, meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the preparation, properties, and applications of chitosan-zein nano-composites. The study compares the properties of the nano-composites with their conventional counterparts. It is found that the nano-composites exhibit superior mechanical, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties. The addition of bioactive compounds, fillers, or plasticizers further enhances the properties. The chitosan-zein nano-composites have potential applications in food packaging to protect mushrooms, meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables.