Antimicrobial poly(lactic acid)/cellulose bionanocomposite for food packaging application: A review

Conventional food packaging materials are derived from nonrenewable fossil resources and face difficulties in disposal and recycling. The development of green and ecologically balanced food packaging materials has received much attention as a prospective solution that can partially substitute for the imperishable fossil fuel-derived plastic. Polylactic acid (PLA) is known as a promising biopolymer, and the incorporation of nanocellulose can further enhance the properties of this biopolymer. The combination of PLA and nanocellulose enables the development of a sustainable eco-friendly food packaging as PLA can be obtained from agricultural resources and nanocellulose can be extracted from agricultural waste. This critical review demonstrates the current developments, and the advantages of PLA and nanocellulose for the purpose of food packaging are introduced. The nanocellulose produced from agricultural waste is summarized along with specific references to food packaging applications. In addition, the antimicrobial agents used in PLA/nanocellulose-based packaging are discussed. Overall, greener food packaging with enhanced antimicrobial properties with a suitable combination of bio-based nanocellulose is highlighted in this review.