Progress in the application of polysaccharide/nanomaterial composites in food safety

Food safety has become a major challenge in global public health. To address the limitations of traditional plastic packaging and laboratory-based detection methods, innovative solutions are needed to solve contamination risks and preservation of food. This review synthesizes recent advances in combining natural polysaccharides (cellulose, chitosan, alginate, etc.) with functional nanomaterials (silver nanoparticles, carbon dots, metal-organic frameworks, etc.) in food safety, focusing on the role of polysaccharides and nanomaterials in packaging and contaminant detection and the application of polysaccharide/nanomaterial composites. Polysaccharides are known for their biocompatibility and functional versatility and are synergized with nanomaterials to significantly improve the antimicrobial rate of food packaging and the sensitivity of contaminant detection. However, issues such as interaction mechanisms, performance stability, practical scalability, and potential toxicity require further investigations. The technological innovation of polysaccharide/nanomaterial composites in packaging and contaminant detection offers a comprehensive approach to food safety.