Green nanotechnology-enabled biopolymer nanocomposites for eco-innovative and regulatory-compliant antimicrobial food packaging

The emerging trend of convergence between green nanotechnology and biopolymer science facilitates the development of eco-friendly antimicrobial packaging materials that are aligned with sustainability agendas and regulatory safety guidelines. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in green nanotechnology-based biopolymer nanocomposites for antimicrobial food packaging materials, with a special emphasis on environmentally friendly synthesis of biopolymer nanocomposites, their structure-function relationships, and their applicability in food packaging materials. Particular attention is given to the biogenic nature of nanomaterials, which include metallic, polysaccharide, and clay-based nanoparticles synthesized through environmentally friendly routes, and their controlled incorporation into polysaccharide-, protein-, and polyester-based biopolymer matrices. The review critically evaluates the global regulatory landscape governing these materials, including migration, risk assessment, and labeling concerns. A comparative discussion of the European Union framework (EFSA guidance), United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations on food contact substances, and selected Asian regulatory perspectives highlights key similarities, differences, and existing gaps in oversight. By integrating regulatory considerations with material innovation, this review identifies strategies to ensure safety, compliance, and environmental sustainability. Finally, the review provides a clear outline of future directions to bridge the gap between scientific innovation, regulatory alignment, and environmental responsibility, enabling the responsible development and commercialization of green nanocomposite-based food packaging materials.