About this Research Topic

Background

At the forefront of the burgeoning field of active green food packaging, carbon nanomaterials are emerging as revolutionary agents of change. Among these, carbon dots, with their unique cocktail of antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV-blocking properties, coupled with their biocompatibility and affordability, hold immense promise for a vast array of active bio-packaging applications. Carbon dots, with their nanoscale dimensions, exhibit exceptional optical, electrical, and mechanical properties that can be tailored to specific packaging needs. Their inherent ability to absorb and scatter ultraviolet radiation makes them ideal for shielding food from harmful UV rays, preserving their freshness and nutritional value.

Furthermore, carbon dots possess antibacterial and antioxidant properties, inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms and neutralizing free radicals that contribute to food spoilage. This dual action significantly extends the shelf life of packaged foods, reducing waste and preserving the integrity of the food supply.

The incorporation of carbon dots as active fillers and cross-linkers in various biopolymers, such as chitosan, gelatin, and polylactic acid, further enhances the packaging material's functionality. Carbon dots can improve the mechanical strength, flexibility, and barrier properties of biopolymers, making them more resistant to tearing, puncture, and moisture ingress.

Moreover, carbon dots can impart unique sensing properties to bio-packaging materials, enabling real-time monitoring of food quality and safety. By incorporating fluorescent or colorimetric carbon dots, packaging can detect changes in temperature, pH, or the presence of spoilage markers, providing early warning of food deterioration. Hence, versatility, affordability, and eco-friendly nature make carbon dots a paradigm shift in active green food packaging, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible packaging landscape.

The Goal of this collection is to succinctly present the new findings related to the uses of Carbon nanomaterials in enhancing various structural or Bio-Chemical Properties of Green Packaging Materials. The Collection will be open for Bio-Nanocomposite films incorporating carbon nanomaterials as Active/Passive food packaging applications. Innovative synthesis Methods for the biocomposite films with functionalized Carbon nano are of special interest to the food packaging sector due to the tremendous opportunity for the industrial scalability of the product as the raw materials for the nanomaterials are inexpensive. The study of such films with the parameters relevant to food packaging is a highly contemporary topic to be addressed for the further enrichment of this field. Further being an excellent fluorescent probe carbon nanomaterials (Carbon dots) loaded films could be real-time indicators for the spoilage of food.

We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:

• Carbon nanomaterials incorporated in Bio-Based edible food packaging

• Active antimicrobial/antioxidant packaging

• Carbon dots and Carbon Nanomaterials for UV-resistant packaging

• Carbon dots and Carbon Nanomaterials for improving shelf-life of food products

• Intelligent multifunctional packaging for food preservation

• Carbon microsensor-based food spoilage detection packaging

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Food packaging, Carbon Nanomaterials, Biopolymeric Films, Active Packaging, Smart Packaging

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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