Photonic Crystal Ink Patterning and Research Progress in Its Application in Food Packaging

WANG Fan; LI Mei; ZHANG Zixuan; FAN Xiaoping

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.15.005

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (15) : 49-60. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.15.005

Advanced Materials

Photonic Crystal Ink Patterning and Research Progress in Its Application in Food Packaging

WANG Fan, LI Mei, ZHANG Zixuan, FAN Xiaoping^*

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Abstract

The work aims to explore the feasibility of using photonic crystal inks as a new functional printing material and to provide a theoretical basis for the development of a green and smart food packaging system. The components and performance characteristics of various photonic crystal inks, including inorganic colloidal, polymer colloidal, and liquid crystal-based inks, were systematically reviewed. The application characteristics of printing technologies such as screen printing, inkjet printing, and direct-write 3D printing were compared. The applications of photonic crystal inks and the mechanisms underlying their responses to environmental stimuli such as temperature, pH, and solvents were analyzed. Photonic crystal inks could generate high-brightness, fade-resistant structural colors based on periodic nanostructures, demonstrating excellent performance in color display, anti-counterfeiting labels, and smart responsive packaging. Different printing technologies had their own advantages in terms of resolution, uniformity, and structural stability; however, certain limitations remained regarding large-scale production and long-term stability. Photonic crystal inks offer significant advantages in achieving green, safe, and functional food packaging. They largely meet the research objectives of structural color display and multifunctional integration. Future improvements can be made in key areas such as enhancing structural stability, scaling up manufacturing, and conducting food safety assessments to promote their practical application and industrial development.

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photonic crystal inks / structural color / patterned printing / food packaging

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WANG Fan, LI Mei, ZHANG Zixuan, FAN Xiaoping. Photonic Crystal Ink Patterning and Research Progress in Its Application in Food Packaging[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2026, 47(15): 49-60 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.15.005

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