MXenes for the Food Supply Chain

The book explores the entire landscape of MXene-enabled packaging, beginning with fundamental concepts related to MXene synthesis, characterization, and functionalization. It then moves into detailed discussions on how MXenes interact with biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and hybrid composites to produce films with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Mechanistic insights are emphasized throughout the text, providing readers with a deep understanding of antimicrobial behavior, oxygen and moisture transport control, antioxidant mechanisms, and electromagnetic or optical responses relevant to intelligent packaging.

Chapters highlight MXene-based active packaging for shelf-life extension, sensor-integrated films for real-time food quality monitoring, and multifunctional systems enabling traceability, freshness indicators, toxin detection, and environmental responsiveness. Special attention is given to green processing strategies, biodegradable packaging matrices, and the integration of MXenes with sustainable materials such as starch, chitosan, cellulose, and plant-derived biopolymers key to transitioning toward environmentally responsible food supply chains.

Additionally, the book brings together cutting-edge research from materials science, nanotechnology, food engineering, and packaging science into a single reference. It not only summarizes current knowledge but also identifies gaps, challenges, regulatory considerations, toxicity aspects, and commercialization prospects.