Modifications of Starch-Based Films for Sustainable Food Packaging with Biopolymer Blends, Plant Extracts, and Nanoparticles: A Review

Starch-based films have emerged as promising sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based food packaging owing to their biodegradability, renewability, abundance, low cost, and excellent film-forming properties; however, their widespread application is limited by poor mechanical strength, high moisture sensitivity, and inadequate barrier performance. This review summarizes recent advances in enhancing starch-based films through starch modification, biopolymer blending, nanoparticle reinforcement, and the incorporation of plant-derived bioactive compounds. Particular attention is given to integrated approaches that combine modified starch matrices with complementary biopolymers and mixed plant extracts to simultaneously enhance mechanical, physicochemical, thermal, barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The review further discusses the performance of these enhanced starch-based films in preserving a wide range of food products, highlighting their potential to improve food quality, safety, and shelf life. Finally, current challenges, knowledge gaps, and future research priorities are discussed, including formulation compatibility, nanoparticle migration and safety assessment, and controlled release of bioactive compounds. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive framework for the rational design of multifunctional, high-performance, and sustainable starch-based materials for next-generation food packaging applications.