Advances in MOF-enabled food preservation and packaging: A critical review of structure-function relationships, functionalization strategies, applications, and safety.

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks are crystalline porous coordination polymers with tunable pore chemistry and high surface area, making them promising building blocks for advanced food preservation and packaging. Unlike previous reviews that categorize applications primarily by function, this review uniquely adopts a critical structure-function framework to systematically decipher how specific MOF design parameters-metal nodes, organic linkers, pore environments, and composite interfaces-govern preservation performance in real food systems. Within this framework, we highlight recent progress by analyzing how these structural features dictate key packaging functions, including adsorption-based gas/moisture regulation, stabilization and controlled release of bioactive compounds, and reinforcement of film barrier and mechanical properties. We summarize major functionalization strategies that integrate MOFs with bio-derived matrices and active agents (e.g., polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, essential oils, and ethylene-regulating components), and we review representative applications in active/intelligent films, coatings, and scavenging systems validated in food models. Crucially, we identify critical disconnects between laboratory-scale materials design and practical packaging engineering, particularly regarding performance translation. Finally, we discuss safety and sustainability challenges-especially migration/leaching risks, residual synthesis-related contaminants, stability under realistic storage conditions, degradability, and scale-up-together with design priorities for multifunctional, smart, and eco-compatible packaging.