Carotenoids From Amazonian Fruits as Functional Pigments in Active and Intelligent Food Packaging: Materials,...

Amazonian fruits represent an underexplored source of carotenoids with high technological, functional, and economic potential for applications in food packaging. In recent years, active and intelligent packaging systems based on biopolymers and natural pigments have emerged as effective strategies for extending shelf life, monitoring food quality, and reducing waste. This critical review analyzes the incorporation of carotenoids from Amazonian fruits, particularly buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) and tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare), into polymeric matrices for active and intelligent food packaging. Emphasis is given to structure-function relationships, optical properties, and the challenges associated with carotenoid instability, including photo-oxidation, isomerization, and limited compatibility with hydrophilic matrices. This review discusses advanced stabilization strategies, highlighting the roles of hydrophilic carriers and hybrid systems, including nanoemulsions, Pickering emulsions, protein-polysaccharide complexes, cyclodextrin inclusion systems, and coated liposomes. These approaches enhance pigment dispersion, color stability, antioxidant performance, and controlled release, enabling their effective use as multifunctional agents and optical indicators. Evidence demonstrates that hybrid lipid-biopolymer systems can significantly reduce carotenoid degradation, enhance UV-Vis radiation blocking, and favor colorimetric responses to deterioration-related stimuli. Furthermore, valuing Amazonian biodiversity through fruit pulps, peels, seeds, and byproducts aligns with circular-economy principles and supports the sustainable development of materials. Finally, the review highlights regulatory, technological, and scalability challenges and identifies future perspectives for integrating carotenoids from Amazonian fruits into next-generation packaging systems. In summary, carotenoids from Amazonian fruits emerge as promising natural alternatives to synthetic additives, supporting sustainable development.