International Journal of Food Properties

Recently food property assessment has witnessed significant advancements with the integration of biosensors based on biocomposites, marking a pivotal shift in how food quality and safety are monitored. Biocomposites which are developed from biopolymers and natural or synthetic reinforcements, have emerged as a cornerstone in the development of intelligent food packaging systems. These systems include various sensors such as color sensors and biosensors, to detect and convey critical information about the food's condition. The application of such technology spans from the detection of micro-organisms that indicate spoilage in perishable items, to assess the overall freshness and safety of packaged foods. These innovative biosensors may be deployed in various forms, such as chromogenic biocomposite membranes or nanocomposite packaging materials. This remarkable fusion of biotechnology and material science aims at revolutionizing the food industry.

The importance of biocomposites-based sensors in food property assessment cannot be overstated in this age where food safety and quality are paramount. These biosensors may provide essential real-time data that can prevent foodborne diseases and ensure consumer safety. Their ability to monitor changes in food properties brings a new level of intelligence to food packaging. Detection of color changes in packaging that respond to microbial activity or enhanced barrier properties brings a new level of intelligence to food packaging. This not only aids in extending the shelf life of products but also supports sustainable practices by reducing food waste. Additionally, the eco-friendly nature of the biocomposites supports the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, addressing environmental concerns while not compromising food integrity. To sum up, these advancements offer a crucial step towards more efficient, safe, and sustainable food handling and distribution.

This Article Collection aims to highlight several subtopics. First, there's the development of smart packaging materials, where the focus is on enhancing the interfacial interactions of polymer nano biocomposites to improve mechanical and barrier properties. This includes the use of macro, micro or nanofillers, such as cellulose, nanoclay, and carbon allotropes. These fillers are pivotal in optimizing the performance of packaging materials. Another vital area is the exploration of biosensors and their integration into packaging. This involves the study of biopolymers like alginate and chitosan, and their combination with natural pigments or anthocyanins to detect food spoilage. Furthermore, the role of nanotechnology in fabricating polymeric nanocomposites (PNCs) and their diverse applications in biocatalysis, active packaging, and waste treatment in food and bioprocessing industries forms a critical part of this subject. Lastly, the optimization of these biocomposites for specific applications, such as in intelligent packaging that responds to physiological changes in foodstuffs, is an important subtopic. This encompasses research into bio-based sensors, focusing on natural extracts like anthocyanins, and their potential to act as sustainable, smart packaging elements.

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Prof. Mohd Sapuan bin Salit is an A Grade Professor in mechanical engineering, known for his expertise in composite materials. Currently head of Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Centre (AEMC) at UPM. He has received research grants worth over RM 10 million USD and has supervised over 108 PhDs and 11 Postdocs, along with numerous Master and Bachelor students. With over 900 publications and an h-index of 104, he has been widely recognized for his contributions to the field with over 40k citation. He has also been invited to speak as a keynote speaker at conferences and workshops around the world and has received numerous awards and grants for his work. He is a Fellow of Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and Fellow Society of Automotive Engineers International USA.

Mr. Abir Khan is working as a lecturer at National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research, Bangladesh. He has also served as an industry expert for Skills for Employment Investment Program funded jointly by Asian Development Bank and Government of Bangladesh. Currently he joined Masters program at Universiti Putra Malaysia, specializing in biocomposites. He is working as a graduate research assistant under Prof. Sapuan at Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Centre, UPM. He completed his Bachelor degree in Textile Engineering in 2016 from Bangladesh University of Textiles, Bangladesh. Abir has published scientific papers in various peer reviewed international journals.

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