Next-generation bio-packaging systems for food safety and shelf-life extension: controlled-release antimicrobial strategies and migration control.

Next-generation bio-packaging systems employ controlled-release antimicrobial and antioxidant strategies to enhance food preservation while limiting premature depletion of active compounds. Biopolymer matrices and nano-enabled architectures regulate bioactive release through diffusion pathways, encapsulation domains, crystallinity, and matrix organization, thereby influencing preservation efficacy, migration behavior, and food-contact safety. Recent advances demonstrate the effectiveness of engineered antimicrobial systems in controlling microbial proliferation during storage. Hybrid ZnO/graphene oxide/montmorillonite coatings have achieved approximately 60% inhibition of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, highlighting the potential of nano-enabled architectures for sustained antimicrobial protection. Intelligent sensing technologies further support real-time monitoring of freshness and spoilage. Applications across meat, seafood, dairy, fresh produce, bakery, and ready-to-eat foods demonstrate improved shelf life, quality retention, and food safety. Biodegradable materials, renewable feedstocks, and circular-economy compatibility further strengthen the sustainability of these systems. This review examines controlled-release mechanisms, antimicrobial and antioxidant functionalities, intelligent sensing technologies, migration behavior, safety assessment, sustainability considerations, and regulatory perspectives within a unified framework for next-generation bio-packaging systems. Interactions among material structure, bioactive delivery, antimicrobial efficacy, migration characteristics, and food-contact safety determine the performance and application of emerging bio-based packaging technologies. This review integrates controlled-release design, antimicrobial performance, migration control, and food-contact safety to evaluate emerging nano-enabled bio-packaging systems.