Metal-Phenolic Networks for Transformative Agri-Food Systems: A Biobased Toolkit beyond Molecular Polyphenols

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Food Science

Background:

• Metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) leverage metal-phenolic chemistry and nanoscale engineering.
• Polyphenols offer functional scope within agri-food systems, enhanced by MPN integration.
• Green MPN materials exhibit design flexibility, adaptive properties, and environmental resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the synthesis, characterization, and applications of green MPNs in agri-food systems.
• To assess the potential of MPNs for sustainable food technologies and agrochemical nanoformulations.
• To identify challenges and propose design principles for future MPN development.

Main Methods:

• Overview of MPN synthesis and characterization techniques.
• Analysis of coordination-driven assembly and structure-property relationships.
• Critical assessment of emerging applications in intelligent food systems and agrochemicals.

Main Results:

• MPNs demonstrate unique structure-property relationships through coordination-driven assembly.
• Applications span intelligent food processing, preservation, detection, nutrition, fortification, and smart agrochemicals.
• MPNs support climate adaptability and resource efficiency in agrochemical delivery.

Conclusions:

• MPNs are crucial for developing innovative and sustainable agri-food technologies.
• Key challenges include biosafety, functional scalability, and technical sustainability.
• Design principles are proposed to guide the future development of MPN-based technologies.