Next-generation edible coatings and films for intelligent and sustainable meat preservation: Natural actives, smart design, and integrated technologies

The increasing demand for sustainable, safe, and clean-label meat preservation has driven the development of next-generation edible coatings and films. These systems integrate natural bioactive compounds with intelligent functionalities, offering dynamic and multifunctional preservation strategies. This review addresses the lack of comprehensive evaluations that simultaneously consider ingredient selection, carrier design, intelligent mechanisms, and industrial integration. It systematically discusses natural active ingredients—such as polyphenols, essential oils, probiotics, and their metabolites—and compares physical mixing and encapsulation methods (e.g., nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanoemulsions) for their incorporation into biodegradable matrices. Unlike previous reviews focused on isolated aspects, this study constructs a multidimensional framework linking intelligent responsiveness (e.g., visual spoilage indicators, pH/enzyme-triggered release) with emerging synergistic technologies such as cold plasma, microwave-assisted treatment, and UV irradiation. Key performance challenges—including bioactive instability, sensory impacts, and complex regulation—are critically examined alongside potential solutions such as advanced encapsulation, modular processing, and circular material use. Moreover, the review highlights industrial feasibility by discussing scalability, cost, and consumer acceptance, offering actionable strategies to bridge the gap between lab innovation and real-world adoption. These insights are contextualized within global sustainability goals and Industry 4.0–6.0 trends. This work thus provides a forward-looking synthesis to support the design and deployment of intelligent, eco-friendly meat preservation systems.