Tailoring of Polymer and Metal Nanobiocomposites Corroborated with Smart Food Packaging Systems—A Review

There is a robust industrial drive for resolving the issues related to packaging materials for contributing a pivotal essence towards circular economy via their recycling. Nanotechnology is one of them, which is able to contribute and develop a prime impact on both quantitative and qualitative manufacturing of safe and effective foods/food components (perishable or semi-perishable) with a pragmatic assessment of enhanced shelf life. In this review, a brief overview was perceived on nanocomposite materials towards food packaging. Numerous polymeric/metallic nanocomposite systems (natural and synthetic) were explored for their migration issues; antioxidant, antimicrobial, and barrier properties; recyclability; consumer acceptability; toxicity; and regulatory aspects. The discussion was also extended with some recent trends and future perspectives of cutting-edge nanomaterials (nanosensors) in smart food processing, packaging, security, storage, quality evaluation of preserved foods, and the methods arrayed for assessing the nanomaterial impact over the biological systems. Graphical Abstract