Hybrid nanocomposites of sepiolite with starch and other biopolymers: Enhancing safety in food packaging

Sneh Punia Bangar; Muhammed Navaf; Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal Sunooj; Gurkanwal Kaur; Kyle Dunno; William Scott Whiteside

doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.147507

Hybrid nanocomposites of sepiolite with starch and other biopolymers: Enhancing safety in food packaging

Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 Sep 7;328(Pt 1):147507. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.147507. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Sneh Punia Bangar¹, Muhammed Navaf², Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal Sunooj², Gurkanwal Kaur³, Kyle Dunno⁴, William Scott Whiteside⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York 14623, USA; Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA. Electronic address: spbipk@rit.edu.
² Department of Food Science and Technology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 6015014, India.
³ Department of Biochemistry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141004, India.
⁴ Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York 14623, USA.
⁵ Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA. Electronic address: wwhtsd@clemson.edu.

PMID: 40925432
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.147507

Abstract

Sepiolite (SP) is a naturally occurring sedimentary silicate clay mineral known for its unique structure, high surface area, and rich surface chemistry, particularly silanol groups (Si-OH), which facilitate strong interfacial interactions in polymer matrices. Its ability to act as a nanofiller has gained attention in the development of advanced biopolymer nanocomposites, especially for food packaging applications where material performance, sustainability, and safety are critical. SP enhances the thermal stability, barrier properties, and mechanical strength of starch and other biopolymer matrices, key factors in extending shelf life. However, concerns about the potential migration of SP into food and associated health implications highlight the need for further research and regulatory evaluation. This review critically examines the impact of SP on biopolymer nanocomposites with a focus on food packaging applications. It explores SP's role in enhancing material performance, its potential risks related to migration, and the current regulatory landscape. By evaluating both the advantages and limitations, the review aims to inform future research on the safe integration of SP in food contact materials.

Keywords: Food packaging; Migration; Nanocomposites; Nanofiller; Sepiolite.

Publication types

Review