Biocomposite Films for Food Packaging Applications

Dear Colleagues,

From a materials science perspective, biocomposite films are generally defined as multiphase systems comprising at least one bio-based polymer matrix—such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, or polylactic acid—reinforced with natural or functional fillers, including fibers, nanocellulose, clay nanoparticles, proteins, or plant-derived extracts. The synergistic combination of these constituents enables improvements in mechanical properties and barrier performance while maintaining essential characteristics such as biodegradability and environmental sustainability. In particular, enhancing resistance to oxygen and water vapor permeability is critical for preserving food quality. Furthermore, the incorporation of antimicrobial and/or antioxidant agents contributes to extended shelf life and improved product safety. Owing to these structural and functional advantages, biocomposite films have attracted considerable attention as promising candidates for active and intelligent food packaging applications.

The proposed Special Issue, “Biocomposite Films for Food Packaging Applications,” is designed in accordance with the aims and scope of Coatings, published by MDPI. The Issue aims to highlight recent advances in the development, surface modification, functionalization, and performance evaluation of biocomposite films used as sustainable coating and packaging materials for food systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on coating technologies, thin-film fabrication methods, interfacial phenomena, adhesion mechanisms, and structure–property relationships that influence mechanical strength, barrier performance, wettability, antimicrobial activity, and durability. Studies addressing bio-based and biodegradable coating materials, nanostructured reinforcements, and functional surface engineering approaches are especially encouraged. The topic directly aligns with the journal’s focus on coating science, surface engineering, and functional thin-film materials. By concentrating on biocomposite films within food packaging applications, the Special Issue maintains a clear materials and coatings perspective while remaining sufficiently broad to attract interdisciplinary contributions.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Design and fabrication of biopolymer-based coating films for food packaging;
• Surface engineering and functionalization of biocomposite coatings;
• Structure–property relationships in thin biocomposite films;
• Mechanical, thermal, and barrier performance of coated systems;
• Active coatings with antimicrobial and antioxidant functionalities;
• Intelligent coatings for freshness monitoring and quality indication;
• Nanostructured fillers and interfacial compatibility in coating matrices;
• Biodegradability, environmental impact, and life cycle assessment of coated packaging materials;
• Scalability and industrial processing of bio-based coating systems.

Article Types

The Special Issue will consider the following types of submissions:

• Original Research Articles presenting novel experimental or theoretical findings;
• Review Articles providing comprehensive and critical overviews of recent developments;
• Short Communications reporting significant preliminary results;
• Technical Notes focused on innovative methods, characterization techniques, or processing approaches.

Prof. Dr. Ercan Yildiz
Dr. Mehmet Yaman
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• biocomposite coatings
• bio-based polymer films
• food packaging materials
• active and functional coatings
• barrier properties