Antimicrobial active packaging with biopolymers and natural extracts: sustainable solutions and technological challenges

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable food packaging solutions has increased research into antimicrobial active packaging systems based on biodegradable biopolymers and natural extracts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in their development, functionality, and existing challenges, with particular emphasis on plant-derived compounds, animal-derived antimicrobials, and microbial metabolites. These bioactive agents exhibit various antimicrobial mechanisms, including membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, and oxidative stress induction, and are often incorporated into biopolymer matrices through solvent casting, extrusion, or encapsulation techniques. However, the critical technological challenge lies in achieving the stability, compatibility, and controlled release of these agents in complex food matrices, which directly impacts their real-world applicability. Regulatory restrictions, economic feasibility, and consumer safety concerns further complicate commercialization. By synthesizing current findings, this review emphasizes that emerging encapsulation strategies and smart delivery systems not only enhance antimicrobial efficacy but also represent a pivotal step toward scalable, eco-friendly, and truly sustainable packaging solutions. Therefore, this review highlights how emerging technologies and policy approaches can integrate material innovation with sustainability goals to create safer, more effective, and eco-friendly antimicrobial packaging.