An introduction to biopolymer-based nanofilms, their applications, and limitations

Abstract In order to reduce the environmental pollution caused by synthetic materials, researchers are focusing on the use of biomaterials. The materials used for food packaging are mostly made up of nonbiodegradable materials, which are not capable of meeting the growing demands for sustainability and environmental safety. Therefore numerous biopolymers have been introduced to develop biodegradable food packaging materials. However, biopolymers have drawbacks like poor mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Nanotechnology deals with the synthesis and characterization of materials on the nanoscale. Biopolymers are widely used for the synthesis and capping of nanoparticles. Biopolymers like chitosan, gelatin, and alginate are used for the biological synthesis of nanoparticles avoiding use of any toxic chemicals. The introduction of nanotechnology, in this case in the form of nanocomposites in conjugation with biopolymers, improves the mechanical and barrier properties of biopolymers. Biopolymers in association with nanomaterials have potential application in the biomedical field and food industry. Nanoparticle-based biopolymers offer a high degree of biocompatibility and biodegradability in physiological conditions and form an effective material for wound dressings for healing. Biopolymers like gelatin and chitosan conjugated with nanoparticles are extensively used in wound dressing applications. In addition, biopolymers like cellulose and alginate are used for food packaging and food coatings. This chapter provides an overview of biopolymers and biopolymer-based nanofilms, examines different applications of biopolymer-conjugated nanoparticles, and discusses toxicity and safety issues related to the use of nanofilms.