New opportunities and advances in magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles in biopolymeric food packaging films

Biopolymeric food packaging films (FPFs) including chitosan, starch, cellulose and biopolyester have emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option in the food industry. However, the performance of biopolymeric FPFs is not yet sufficient for practical commercial applications. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the performance of biopolymeric FPFs through different strategies. Among these, the incorporation of metal nanoparticles, particularly MgO nanoparticles (MgONPs), into biopolymeric FPFs has shown great promise. MgONPs offer advantages such as stability, eco-friendliness, non-toxicity, and antimicrobial activity. This comprehensive review delves into the physicochemical properties and synthesis methods of MgONPs, as well as their impact on various properties of biopolymeric FPFs, including water solubility, mechanical properties, water vapor transmission rate, UV-barrier capacity, thermal stability, and antibacterial properties. Moreover, the study emphasizes the advantages of Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticle-reinforced BFPFs in extending the shelf life and preserving the sensory quality of fresh food products.