Development of multifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based nanofiller materials in food packaging: A comprehensive review

Background: Food packaging effectively reduces food postharvest losses, ensures food safety supply, and promotes sustainable development. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based film materials showed potential in the field of food packaging. Among various nanofillers, MOFs stand out as multifunctional materials characterized by their convenient integration with polymer matrix to develop enhanced, active and intelligent food packaging materials. Scope and approach: This review initially provided a concise overview of the several synthesis strategies of MOFs and three primary methods for the fabrication of MOFs-based films. Furthermore, the multifaceted functions of MOFs as reinforcers, active agents, and indicative factors in the context of food packaging have also been systematically reviewed. Especially, the functional MOFs-based films for the encapsulation of diverse bioactive compounds applied to delay food spoilage and real-time monitoring of food freshness were discussed. Finally, the toxicological impacts of MOF fillers in food packaging applications were highlighted, encompassing an evaluation of potential risks and the exploration of mitigation strategies. Key findings and conclusions: The MOFs-based films emerge as promising candidate materials for food packaging applications, as the incorporation of MOFs substantially enhances the mechanical properties, water resistance, and barrier performance of pure biopolymer films. However, traditional food packaging methodologies encounter several challenges, including antibacterial, antioxidant properties, and the effective removal of active molecules. To overcome these limitations, the incorporation of various MOF nanomaterials to enhance the physical and functional attributes of packaging films have been persistently investigated. Therefore, MOFs-based multifunctional film materials could be a viable alternative to develop food packaging.