Advances in Application of Cellulose Nanocrystals in Fruit and Vegetable Packaging

LIU Taoran; SHI Ke; WANG Feijie; WANG Liqiang

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.13.011

PDF(1303 KB)

Packaging Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (13) : 90-98. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.13.011

Special Topic on Applications of High-Performance Fibers and Their Composites in Protection and Packaging

Advances in Application of Cellulose Nanocrystals in Fruit and Vegetable Packaging

LIU Taoran^1,2, SHI Ke^1,2, WANG Feijie^1,2, WANG Liqiang^1,2*

Author information +

History +

Abstract

The work aims to clarify the functionalization strategies and full-chain application potential of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in fruit and vegetable packaging, thereby providing a research reference for overcoming current technical bottlenecks and advancing the development of high-performance preservation packaging materials. Through a systematic literature survey, the molecular structure of CNC was examined, and the core mechanisms underlying its mechanical reinforcement, high barrier properties, hydrophobic modification, and active component loading were elucidated, with a focus on the application progress in postharvest edible coatings and various functional packaging systems. Owing to its high crystallinity and nanoscale effects, CNC exhibited a remarkable multifunctional synergy encompassing "barrier, enhancement, controlled release, and sensing", and had preliminarily formed a full-chain application layout covering harvesting, storage, transportation, and retail stages, demonstrating considerable potential to replace conventional petroleum-based plastics. Nevertheless, critical bottlenecks restricting its industrialization remain, including performance degradation under high-humidity environments, property fluctuations caused by structural variations among CNC from different sources, and the immaturity of multifunctional integrated packaging systems. Future research should prioritize simplifying preparation processes while balancing multi-performance synergy with environmental friendliness, so as to promote the practical and large-scale application of CNC-based fruit and vegetable packaging.

Key words

cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) / barrier property / fruit and vegetable packaging / modified atmosphere packaging / active packaging

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

LIU Taoran, SHI Ke, WANG Feijie, WANG Liqiang. Advances in Application of Cellulose Nanocrystals in Fruit and Vegetable Packaging[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2026, 47(13): 90-98 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.13.011

References

[1] LIANG J K, HAN J Y, ZHOU M, et al.Cellulose in Smart Food Packaging: Production, Forms, and Multifunctional Applications[J]. Cellulose, 2026, 33(4): 1833-1875.
[2] RANA A K, FROLLINI E, THAKUR V K.Cellulose Nanocrystals: Pretreatments, Preparation Strategies, and Surface Functionalization[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021, 182: 1554-1581.
[3] KOUR M, CHAUDHARY S, KUMAR R.Cellulose Based Bioplastics: A Sustainable Approach Toward Environmental Safety - a Review[J]. Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 2025, 46: e01694.
[4] YAN X X, LI Z W, CHENG W H, et al.Cellulose Nanocrystals for Functional Food Packaging: Enhancing Performance and Enabling Intelligence[J]. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2025, 163: 105163.
[5] DE LIMA G G, ZAKALUK I C B, et al. Enhancing Barrier and Antioxidant Properties of Nanocellulose Films for Coatings and Active Packaging: A Review[J]. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 2025, 8(9): 4397-4421.
[6] 张子俊, 杨桂花, 蒋启蒙, 等. 纳米纤维素基复合膜的制备及其在食品保鲜领域的应用研究进展[J]. 食品科学, 2023, 44(17): 312-320.
ZHANG Z J, YANG G H, JIANG Q M, et al.Research Progress in the Preparation of Nanocellulose-Based Composite Films and Their Application in Food Preservation[J]. Food Science, 2023, 44(17): 312-320.
[7] 周柯鑫, 张晨曦, 吴柔芬, 等. 植物纳米纤维素材料制备的研究进展[J]. 中国科学: 化学, 2025, 55(1): 242-257.
ZHOU K X, ZHANG C X, WU R F, et al.Research Progress on the Preparation of Plant-Based Nanocellulose[J]. Scientia Sinica Chimica), 2025, 55(1): 242-257.
[8] CHEN C, SUN W J, WANG J W, et al.Tunable Biocomposite Films Fabricated Using Cellulose Nanocrystals and Additives for Food Packaging[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2023, 321: 121315.
[9] TIAN S B, JIANG J G, ZHU P G, et al.Fabrication of a Transparent and Biodegradable Cellulose Film from Kraft Pulp via Cold Alkaline Swelling and Mechanical Blending[J]. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2022, 10(32): 10560-10569.
[10] DING F Y, FU L.Recent Advances in Gelatin-Cellulose Composite Films for Food Packaging Applications[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025, 321: 146135.
[11] TOSIF M M, ZANNOU O, GOKSEN G.Brown Seaweed-Derived Cellulose for Sustainable Packaging: A Review on Extraction Techniques, Functional Enhancement, and Future Industrial Perspectives[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026, 344: 150498.
[12] BABAEI-GHAZVINI A, VAFAKISH B, ACHARYA B.Chiral Nematic Cellulose Nanocrystal Films: Sucrose Modulation for Structural Color and Dynamic Behavior[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025, 296: 139540.
[13] WANG J, CHEN S P, LI D L, et al.Structuring Restricted Amorphous Molecular Chains in the Reinforced Cellulose Film by Uniaxial Stretching[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2024, 337: 122088.
[14] WANG T, WANG Y F, JI C Y, et al.All-Cellulose-Based Flexible Photonic Films[J]. Advanced Functional Materials, 2024, 34(48): 2408464.
[15] YU W, LUO L R, YI Y J, et al.Active Food Packaging Composite Films from Bast Fibers-Derived Cellulose Nanofibrils[J]. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2024, 12(25): 9511-9521.
[16] NWANNA E C, EZE P C, ORAKWE L C, et al.Suitability of Incorporating Plantain Stem Cellulose Nanocrystals into Cmc/Gelatin Film for Packaging Applications[J]. Scientific Reports, 2025, 15: 33413.
[17] OUYANG S Q, WANG F J, LIU Y C, et al.Advances in the Enhancement of Mechanical and Hydrophobic Properties of Nanocellulose-Based Packaging Materials: A Review[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024, 282: 137392.
[18] LAS-CASAS B, ARANTES V.From Production to Performance: Tailoring Moisture and Oxygen Barrier of Cellulose Nanomaterials for Sustainable Applications-a Review[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2024, 334: 122012.
[19] NAN Y F, FRANKE D J, SCHILLING C A, et al.Functional Multilayer Films with Nanocellulose Core and Plastic Outer Layers for High-Performance Oxygen and Water Vapor Barrier Food Packaging[J]. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2026, 173: 105750.
[20] KOPPOLU R, LAHTI J, ABITBOL T, et al.Tailoring the Performance of Nanocellulose-Based Multilayer- Barrier Paperboard Using Biodegradable-Thermoplastics, Pigments, and Plasticizers[J]. Cellulose, 2023, 30(11): 6945-6958.
[21] KADI I H, DEMIRCAN E, OZCELIK B.Sustainable Food Packaging: Hazelnut By-Products Derived Carboxymethylcellulose-Polyvinyl Alcohol Films for Strawberry and Fresh-Cut Apple Preservation[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026, 360: 151810.
[22] ESMAT B, BIBI S, SOLIMAN M M, et al.Carboxymethyl Cellulose: Structural Modifications and Their Impact on Barrier and Mechanical Properties for Sustainable Food Packaging[J]. Journal of Stored Products Research, 2026, 115: 102864.
[23] YU W, LUO L R, TANG Z H, et al.Preservation Mechanisms of Jute Fibers Derived Cellulose Nanofibril Composite Films for Banana Storage: Effects of Chemical Composition and Particle Size[J]. Cellulose, 2025, 32(6): 3877-3897.
[24] LI Z Z, WANG P, ZHANG Y H, et al.Durable Hydrophobic Iridescent Films with Tunable Colors from Self-Assembled Cellulose Nanocrystals[J]. Small, 2025, 21(6): 2409701.
[25] RAHMAN M M, ZHU L H, YAO R T, et al.Taro Leaf Inspired Micro/Nanocellulose-Based Hierarchical Structural Coating and Its Application on O/W Separation and Food Preservation[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2025, 358: 123493.
[26] JIANG Y W, MORADIAN M, QUEVEDO A C, et al.Hydrophobization and Anti-Condensation of Cellulose-Based Films by Silanization[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025, 320: 145798.
[27] TANG Q Y, LI X Y, XU Y H, et al.Lignin Containing Cellulose Nanofibers for Advanced Materials: From Hierarchical Structure to Functional Applications[J]. Bioresource Technology, 2026, 447: 134157.
[28] DENG N K, MA Y, LI P F, et al.Mechanically Robust Lignin-Cellulose Films with Triple Barrier Functions for Antagonistic Food Preservation[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025, 521: 166561.
[29] XIE K F, LUO T, WANG L X, et al.Fabrication of Multifunctional Lignin-Based Composite Coatings for Enhanced Strength, Barrier Properties and UV Protection of Cellulosic Paper[J]. Progress in Organic Coatings, 2025, 207: 109429.
[30] XU H W, ZHOU Y Z, YAN M X, et al.Interface-Tailored Iridescent Nanocellulose Films with Retentive Antifouling and Recyclable Multi-Environmental Responsive Properties[J]. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2025, 691: 137427.
[31] RAHMI I D, FIRMANDA A, FAHMA F, et al.Pickering Emulsion System of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCS)- Stabilized Essential Oils (EOs) and Their Effect on Food Packaging Characteristics: A Review[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025, 330: 148020.
[32] GENG J, BAEZ C L, KITIN P, et al.Barrier Coating of Bananas Using Plant Cellulose and Edible Lemon Peel Fibrils to Extend Shelf-Life[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026, 338: 149666.
[33] DMITRENKO M, PASQUINI D, KUZMINOVA A, et al.Development and Study of Sustainable Edible Coating from Carrageenan/Starch/Nanocellulose for Enhancing Fruit/Vegetable Shelf Life and Preservation[J]. ACS Omega, 2025, 10(13): 13555-13569.
[34] WARDANA A A, MARCELLINO V, WIGATI L P, et al.Stabilization of Emulsified Edible Coating Using Cellulose Nanomaterials for Fruit Preservation[J]. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2025, 9: 1618714.
[35] XU Y, DENG Q, RUAN C Q, et al.Application of Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Its Edible Composite Coating in Fruit Preservation[J]. Packaging Technology and Science, 2024, 37(8): 781-792.
[36] WIGATI L P, WARDANA A A, NKEDE F N, et al.Influence of Cellulose Nanocrystal Formulations on the Properties of Pregelatinized Cornstarch and Cornmint Essential Oil Films[J]. Scientific Reports, 2025, 15: 18997.
[37] LIU B Z, WANG K, SUN F F, et al.Carbon Dots and Cellulose Nanocrystal-Incorporated Chitosan Composite Films with Enhanced Gas Selectivity and Photodynamic Antibacterial Properties for Fruit Preservation[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2025, 356: 123413.
[38] IDAHAGBON N B, NICHOLAS R J, WEI A.Pectin-Cellulose Nanofiber Composites: Biodegradable Materials for Modified Atmosphere Packaging[J]. Food Hydrocolloids, 2025, 162: 110976.
[39] CAO M Y, UNIVERSITY B F, ZHANG W S, et al.Transparent Composite Films of Cellulose Nanofibrils and Nanocrystals for Modified Atmosphere Packaging[J]. ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 2026, 8(5): 3420-3431.
[40] PAULSEN E, MORENO D A, LEMA P.Modified Atmosphere Packaging Using Cellulose-Based Film (NatureFlex™) Preserved Quality and Bioactive Compounds of Fresh-Cut Broccolis[J]. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2024, 217: 113092.
[41] AGUSTIN-SALAZAR S, TORRIERI E, IMMIRZI B, et al.Cellulose-Based Sustainable Packaging of Leafy Vegetables: An Experimental Study on the Shelf Life of Baby Spinach[J]. Organic Agriculture, 2024, 14(2): 167-180.
[42] LIU R M, PAN X S, MAO Z J, et al.Well-Cushioned and Highly-Elastic Aerogel for Multifunctional Intelligent Transportation Packaging[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024, 493: 152660.
[43] LIU Y, ZHU Y P, XU Z J, et al.Nanocellulose Based Ultra-Elastic and Durable Foams for Smart Packaging Applications[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2024, 327: 121674.
[44] DAG D, JUNG J, ZHAO Y Y.Development and Characterization of Cinnamon Essential Oil Incorporated Active, Printable and Heat Sealable Cellulose Nanofiber Reinforced Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Films[J]. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 2023, 39: 101153.
[45] RAJAN D, RAJAN S, SUNDARAVADIVELU K, et al.Valorization of Agri-Food Waste for Sustainable Extraction of Bioactive Compounds and Their Application in Bio-Based Packaging[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal: Green and Sustainable, 2026, 2: 100064.
[46] DONG Y J, XIE Y, MA X, et al.Multi-Functional Nanocellulose Based Nanocomposites for Biodegradable Food Packaging: Hybridization, Fabrication, Key Properties and Application[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2023, 321: 121325.
[47] LI F, PANG M M, LIU K, et al.Active Packaging Based on Nanocellulose-Stabilized Essential Oil Pickering Emulsions: A Review on Enhanced Properties and Food Preservation Applications[J]. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2026, 168: 105465.
[48] MA J Z, HUANG X D, JIN L Q, et al.Effect of Dialdehyde Nanocellulose-Tannin Fillers on Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Chitosan Films for Cherry Tomato Preservation[J]. Food Chemistry, 2025, 463: 141274.
[49] LIU Z F, YANG M, HU L W, et al.Biodegradable Active Films Developed from Low-Methoxyl Pectin Incorporated with Cellulose Nanocrystals-Stabilized Oregano Essential Oil Pickering Emulsions[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025, 328: 147127.
[50] SHRUTHY R, PREETHA R.PVA-Nano Cellulose Active Packaging Films with Clay Nano Particles and Fennel Seed Essential Oil for Enhanced Thermal, Barrier, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Biodegradation Properties to Improve the Shelf Life of Tofu[J]. Sustainable Food Technology, 2025, 3(2): 492-506.
[51] HALDAR D, RAJ M R, ROY P, et al.Lignin and Cellulose-Based Functional Carbon Dots Synthesized from Waste Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications: A Review[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026, 362: 152177.
[52] BABAEI-GHAZVINI A, VAFAKISH B, PATEL R, et al.Cellulose Nanocrystals in the Development of Biodegradable Materials: A Review on CNC Resources, Modification, and Their Hybridization[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024, 258: 128834.
[53] SOUFIANI S P, YOUSEFI S, HONARVAR M, et al.Polyvinyl Alcohol Films Incorporating Cellulose Nanocrystals, Chitosan, and Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Enhanced Stability and Controlled Release of Beet Extracts[J]. Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, 2025, 10: 100740.
[54] ZHANG L, REN N, ZHANG J Q, et al.Cellulose Nanocrystals: Sustainable Production and Emerging Fruit Coating Applications[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025, 509: 161190.
[55] LI S S, ŁOPUSIEWICZ Ł, MERINO D, et al.High- Performance Ethyl Cellulose Composite Films: Innovations in Functional Enhancement for Sustainable Food Packaging[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2025, 368: 124154.
[56] ZHOU Q, WANG Y G, YUAN G F, et al.Intelligent pH Sensing Films Based on Chitosan/Cellulose Nanocrystals with Blood Peach Anthocyanins and Β-Cyclodextrin- Encapsulated Carvacrol for Monitoring Shrimp Freshness[J]. Food Biophysics, 2025, 20(4): 163.
[57] HUANG X W, ZHAO W Y, LI Z H, et al.pH-Triggered Bilayer Film Based on Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Zein/ Eudragit L100 with Purple Cabbage Anthocyanin for Monitoring Pork Freshness[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024, 278: 134358.
[58] GAO H, ZHAI A, XIA L M, et al.Transparent Cellulose Films: Preparation, Functionalization, and Applications in Food Packaging[J]. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2026, 383: 125297.
[59] ZHOU Z L, WANG J L, LI J F, et al.Sustainable Biomass Materials: Active and Intelligent Packaging Based on Cellulose[J]. Industrial Crops and Products, 2025, 233: 121409.