A review on surface and interface engineering of nanocellulose and its application in smart packaging

Cellulose is an abundant and renewable natural resource with broad applications in solving environmental pollution and promoting sustainable resource utilisation. Nanocellulose, owing to its unique physicochemical properties, can be incorporated into food packaging materials in various forms, endowing smart packaging with enhanced functionality. Its porosity, large pore size and high surface area make nanocellulose a valuable component in smart packaging systems, particularly following modification via interface and surface engineering. This paper reviewed the research status of nanocellulose in sensor-based smart packaging and smart controlled-release packaging, and highlighted its unique physicochemical properties modified by surface and interface engineering as well as the the enhanced functionalities these properties bring to smart packaging. However, the application of engineered nanocellulose in smart packaging is still in its infancy. This paper also summarized current limitations and discussed possible future directions for development.