Polysaccharide-based antifreeze hydrogels in food preservation: From molecular design to smart food packaging...

Polysaccharide-based antifreeze hydrogels mark a significant advancement in cold-chain food preservation technology. This hydrogel exhibits excellent water retention and freeze resistance, thereby effectively safeguarding the quality of food in low-temperature environments. This review explores these materials' fundamental principles and practical applications in food science, focusing on their role in smart packaging systems. It examines the molecular design principles, including criteria for polysaccharide selection and mechanisms for preventing freezing, through the lenses of food safety requirements and industrial scalability. Recent advancements in temperature-responsive packaging and fresh produce preservation highlight these materials' practical impact. Integrating multiple preservation mechanisms with smart sensing capabilities opens new avenues for enhancing food quality control. Despite technical and regulatory challenges, ongoing research in biodegradable systems and optimization of mechanical properties indicates promising directions for commercial implementation. This review provides a framework for understanding antifreeze hydrogels' current state and future trajectory in food preservation applications.