A review of antimicrobial biodegradable food packaging: design strategies, applications, and challenges

Antimicrobial biodegradable packaging represents a multi-faceted strategy for reducing microbial contamination and plastic waste during food distribution. This review summarizes recent trends in antimicrobial biodegradable packaging, focusing on rational design strategies. Current design strategies are classified according to their antimicrobial modes, i.e., release-based, contact-killing, and anti-adhesion systems. Bio-inspired designs are also discussed because of their potential in enhancing food safety. Polymeric matrices are usually used as carrier materials for antimicrobials, which influences the physicochemical properties and effectiveness of packaging materials for food preservation. Solution casting is the main method used for laboratory-scale packaging preparation, but more scalable methods such as extrusion processing are increasingly being explored. An application-driven top-down decision framework is proposed to guide the selection of antimicrobial modes, materials, and fabrication routes according to food type and contamination scenario. Challenges across the design, fabrication, implementation, verification, and end-of-life stages are also discussed, with emphasis on real-food validation, regulatory compliance, commercial feasibility, and environmental sustainability.