Electrospun gelatin nanofibers: Preparation, characterization, and applications in sustainable food packaging

Gelatin, a biopolymer from animal by-products, stands out for its abundance, film-forming ability, and beneficial functional and biological properties, making it a promising option for sustainable food packaging. This review begins with an overview of gelatin, including its sources, extraction methods, and key characteristics, followed by a discussion of its current applications in the food industry. It then provides a comprehensive analysis of electrospun gelatin nanofibers, highlighting their film performance and functional properties such as structural, mechanical, barrier, and thermal attributes, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In addition, the potential of these nanofibers in active, smart, and intelligent packaging systems that are designed to extend shelf life and monitor or preserve food freshness is examined. Electrospun gelatin nanofibers represent a promising and sustainable platform for next-generation food packaging materials. Progress in processing methods, including optimization of electrospinning conditions, blending with compatible natural or synthetic polymers, and incorporating functional additives such as crosslinking agents and bioactive compounds, has significantly improved their mechanical strength, barrier efficiency, and functional performance. Electrospun gelatin nanofiber-based packaging materials combine environmental sustainability with useful functional properties, providing a practical approach to reducing plastic waste and improving food preservation.