Protein-Based Nanocomposites for Food Packaging

This chapter focuses on the ability of protein‐based materials for preserving food quality and safety. First, it presents the structure of proteins and the possible processing routes to preparing protein‐based nanocomposites. Next, the chapter discusses how the incorporation of nanofillers can modulate mechanical and barrier properties of protein‐based materials. After that, some examples of the use of protein‐based nanocomposites as controlled delivery systems for active packaging are given. Finally, the chapter deals with food safety aspects by presenting the possibility of considering protein‐based nanocomposites as food contact materials