Chemistry and applications of chitin nanocrystals in food packaging industry: A review

Published: 2025

Author(s):

Gal, Mostafa
Daizy, M
Bousfield
Tajvidi, Mehdi

Publication Name: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.149864

Research Area:

Food Packaging

Keywords:

Barrier and antimicrobial properties, Biodegradable films, Chitin nanocrystals, Mechanical strength

Abstract:

The use of biobased nanomaterials to address daily needs has increased significantly, especially in the development of biodegradable films for the food packaging industry. Recently, chitin nanocrystals derived from chitin, the second most abundant biorenewable carbohydrate polymer in nature have attracted considerable attention. These nanocrystals possess unique properties such as high crystallinity, high aspect ratio, large surface area, antimicrobial activity, and high mechanical strength. These features hold promise for advancing the food packaging sector by enabling the creation of biorenewable, high-performance, multifunctional films and composites. This review explores the main chemical extraction methods, as well as the chemical and morphological properties of chitin nanocrystals, and offers a comprehensive discussion of the mechanisms by which they influence key properties of packaging films.