Bionanocomposites in Green Synthesis of Bioplastics – The Composite Materials of Future & Their Role in Circular Bio-Economy

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | 02 | Page :
By

Mukesh Chander,

Prabhjit kaur,

Rajbir Singh,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, punjab, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, punjab, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Khalsa College, Amritsar, punjab, India

Abstract

The pervasive use of petroleum-derived plastics has caused severe environmental pollution, accumulating in landfills and oceans while threatening human and animal health. This ecological crisis has accelerated an urgent transition toward biodegradable polymers within the circular bioeconomy. Bionanocomposites, comprising a biodegradable polymer matrix integrated with nanoscale fillers, successfully bridge the gap between high industrial performance and environmental responsibility. By incorporating advanced nanofillers such as cellulose nanocrystals, chitin nanofibers, layered silicates (like montmorillonite), bio- graphene, and metallic or metal-oxide nanoparticles Ag, ZnO, TiO 2 , these materials achieve enhanced mechanical strength, tailored stiffness, superior thermal stability, and optimized gas barrier properties. Furthermore, these ultra-low filler loadings minimize raw resource consumption while embedding active antimicrobial and antioxidant functionalities into the host matrix. Consequently, bionanocomposites are highly sought after for cutting-edge applications, including active and intelligent food packaging, agricultural films, protective coatings, tissue engineering scaffolds, and targeted drug-delivery systems. To minimize manufacturing footprints, sustainable, eco-friendly processing strategies such as solvent-free melt extrusion, reactive extrusion, and bio-based compatibilizers are employed. These techniques drastically reduce energy demands and hazardous chemical waste while allowing precise architectural control over the polymer. Ultimately, these innovations establish viable circular end-of-life pathways, including industrial composting and chemical recycling. Future research must focus on life-cycle optimization, standardizing characterization protocols, and advanced engineering of multifunctional bionanocomposites that simultaneously integrate active barrier control, antimicrobial protection, and real-time sensor capabilities.

Keywords: Biocomposites, Bioplastic-Nanomaterials, Circular Bio-Economy, Life Cycle Assessment

How to cite this article: Mukesh Chander, Prabhjit kaur, Rajbir Singh. Bionanocomposites in Green Synthesis of Bioplastics – The Composite Materials of Future & Their Role in Circular Bio-Economy. Journal of Nanoscience, NanoEngineering & Applications. 2026; 16(02):-.
How to cite this URL: Mukesh Chander, Prabhjit kaur, Rajbir Singh. Bionanocomposites in Green Synthesis of Bioplastics – The Composite Materials of Future & Their Role in Circular Bio-Economy. Journal of Nanoscience, NanoEngineering & Applications. 2026; 16(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jonsnea/article=2026/view=259604

References

  1. Mori R. Replacing all petroleum-based chemical products with natural biomass-based chemical products: a tutorial review. RSC Sustainability. 2023;1(2):179-212. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2su00014h
  2. Abu-Zurayk R, Khalaf A, Alnairat N, Waleed H, Bozeya A, Abu-Dalo D, Rabba’a M. Green polymer nanocomposites: bridging material innovation with sustainable industrial practices. Frontiers in Materials. 2025 Nov 20;12:1701086.
  3. Goodman BA. Utilization of waste straw and husks from rice production: A review. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts. 2020 Aug 1;5(3):143-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2020.07.001
  4. Kovacevic Z, Flincec Grgac S, Bischof S. Progress in Biodegradable Flame Retardant Nano-Biocomposites. Polymers 2021, 13, 741 [Internet]. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13050741
  5. Krystyjan M, Khachatryan G, Khachatryan K, Konieczna-Molenda A, Grzesiakowska A, Kuchta-Gładysz M, Kawecka A, Grzebieniarz W, Nowak N. The functional and application possibilities of starch/chitosan polymer composites modified by graphene oxide. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022 May 25;23(11):5956. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23115956
  6. Bhat AH, Khan I, Amil Usmani M, Rather JA. Bioplastics and bionanocomposites based on nanoclays and other nanofillers. InNanoclay Reinforced Polymer Composites: Nanocomposites and Bionanocomposites 2016 Aug 13 (pp. 115-139). Singapore: Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-1953-1_5
  7. Deffo G, Temgoua RC, Njanja E, Puzari P. Bionanocomposite materials for electroanalytical applications: current status and future challenges. Nanoscale Advances. 2024;6(19):4736-50.https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NA01111A
  8. Chander, M., & Lovejot. (2026). Applications of Bionanocomposites in Healing & Treatment of Tendon & Ligament Injuries. International Journal of Composite and Constituent Materials, 12(1). https://journalspub.com/publication/uncategorized/article=25389
  9. Bharathi VS, Jayas DS. Evolution of bionanocomposites: innovations and applications in food packaging. Foods. 2024 Nov 25;13(23):3787.https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233787
  10. Sinha Ray S. Polylactide-based bionanocomposites: a promising class of hybrid materials. Accounts of chemical research. 2012 Oct 16;45(10):1710-20.https://doi.org/10.1021/ar3000376
  11. Botta L, La Mantia FP, Mistretta MC, Oliveri A, Arrigo R, Malucelli G. Structure–property relationships in bionanocomposites for pipe extrusion applications. Polymers. 2021 Mar 4;13(5):782. https://doi.org/10.3390 /polym 13050782
  12. Vatieri C, Cirillo T, Esposito F. Waste to worth: bioplastic synthesis from lignocellulosic food waste in the age of the circular bioeconomy. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 2025 Oct 29;9:1698348. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1698348
  13. Chander, M, Arora, D. S. Biodegradation of a Dye by Different White–rot Fungi on a Novel Agro Residue-Based Medium. Lignocellulose, 3(1), 37-50. https://doi.org.10.13140/RG.2.2.34047.83368
  14. Rosenboom JG, Langer R, Traverso G. Bioplastics for a circular economy. Nature Reviews Materials. 2022 Feb;7(2):117-37.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-021-00407-8
  15. Liu X, Park H, Ackermann YS, Avérous L, Ballerstedt H, Besenmatter W, Blázquez B, Bornscheuer UT, Branson Y, Casey W, de Lorenzo V. Exploring biotechnology for plastic recycling, degradation and upcycling for a sustainable future. Biotechnology Advances. 2025 Jul 1;81:108544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108544
  16. WANI SD, MUNDADA AS. A review: emerging trends in bionanocomposites. International Journal of Pharmacy Research & Technology (IJPRT). 2021;11(1):1-8.https://doi.org/10.31838/ijprt/11.01.01
  17. Nandhini J, Karthikeyan E, Rajeshkumar S. Eco-friendly bio-nanocomposites: pioneering sustainable biomedical advancements in engineering. Discover nano. 2024 May 9;19(1):86. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11671-024-04007-7
  18. Panaitescu DM, Ionita ER, Nicolae CA, Gabor AR, Ionita MD, Trusca R, Lixandru BE, Codita I, Dinescu G. Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) modified by nanocellulose and plasma treatment for packaging applications. Polymers. 2018 Nov 11;10(11):1249. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10111249
  19. Pires JR, Rodrigues C, Coelhoso I, Fernando AL, Souza VG. Current applications of bionanocomposites in food processing and packaging. Polymers. 2023 May 17;15(10):2336.https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15102336
  20. Chander DM, Kumar DR, Dr Rajan Salwan. The Synthesis of Medicinally Important Pharma Molecules from Carbohydrates Building Blocks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NOVEL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT [Internet]. 2023 May [cited 2026 June 19];8(5):e133–48-e133-e148. Available from: https://ijnrd.org/viewpaperforall.php?paper=IJNRD2305414
  21. Arora B, Bhatia R, Attri P. Bionanocomposites: Green materials for a sustainable future. InNew polymer nanocomposites for environmental remediation 2018 Jan 1 (pp. 699-712). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-811033-1.00027-5
  22. Abu-Zurayk R, Khalaf A, Alnairat N, Waleed H, Bozeya A, Abu-Dalo D, Rabba’a M. Green polymer nanocomposites: bridging material innovation with sustainable industrial practices. Frontiers in Materials. 2025 Nov 20;12:1701086. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2025.1701086
  23. Rawat S, Phogat P, Sharma S, Jha R, Singh S. Smart and Adaptive Bionanocomposite Materials Processing and Fabrication. InAdvanced Bionanocomposite Materials: Innovations for Sustainable Development 2025 Oct 14 (pp. 125-179). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-8225-6_4
  24. Yadav K, Dutta K, Poudel R, Karak N. Biocomposites for automotive applications. InAdvances in Biocomposites and their Applications 2024 Jan 1 (pp. 257-284). Woodhead Publishing.https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-19074-2.00009-5
  25. Kharissova OV, Kharisov BI, González CM, Méndez YP, López I. Greener synthesis of chemical compounds and materials. Royal Society open science. 2019 Nov 6;6(11):191378. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191378
  26. Mohamed AA. Synthesis of nanomaterials under microwave and ultrasound irradiation. Green Chemical Synthesis with Microwaves and Ultrasound. 2024 Mar 28:235-48. https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527844494.ch9
  27. Mohamed AA. Synthesis of nanomaterials under microwave and ultrasound irradiation. Green Chemical Synthesis with Microwaves and Ultrasound. 2024 Mar 28:235-48. https://doi.org/10.3390/c13111576
  28. Rizal S, HPS AK, Mistar EM, Olaiya NG, Muksin U, Marwan M, Ikramullah, Suriani AB, Abdullah CK, Alfatah T. Functional properties of kenaf bast fibre anhydride modification enhancement with bionanocarbon in polymer nanobiocomposites. Polymers. 2021 Dec 1;13(23):4211.https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234211.
  29. Xia L, Gui T, Wang J, Tian H, Wang Y, Ning L, Wu L. Bio-Based Coatings: Progress, Challenges and Future Perspectives. Polymers. 2025 Dec 9;17(24):3266. https://doi.org/10.3390/poly17053266
  30. Chander, M. 2025. Fungal-derived Nutraceuticals & Bioactive Compounds with Physiotherapeutic and Health- promoting Properties: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Fungi. 2 (2). 1-9. https://doi.org/10.37591/IJF.v02i02.228797
  31. Abdelfatah A, Hosny M, S. Elbay A, El-Maghrabi N, Fawzy M. From waste to worth: upcycling plastic into high-value carbon-based nanomaterials. Polymers. 2024 Dec 30;17(1):63. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387645615
  32. Xu J, Zhang J. Upcycling of Waste Plastics into Value-Added Chemicals. Science for Energy and Environment. 2025 Mar 27;2(1):4.https://doi.org/10.53941/see.2025 .100004
  33. Chander, (2021). Biocomposites: Use of Lignin as a Core Material in Synthesis of Various Industrially Important Biomaterials. International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management, 3(8), 593-602. https://doi.org.10.35629/5252-0308593602
  34. Bano A, Gupta A, Prusty MR, Kumar M. Elicitation of fruit fungi infection and its protective response to improve the postharvest quality of fruits. Stresses. 2023 Jan 30;3(1):231-55. https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3010018
  35. Barbhuiya RI, Tinoco NN, Ramalingam S, Elsayed A, Subramanian J, Routray W, Singh A. A review of nanoparticle synthesis and application in the suppression of diseases in fruits and vegetables. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2024 May 29;64(14):4477-99. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2142511
  36. Sánchez-Silva JM, López-García UM, Gutierrez-Martinez P, Flores-Ramírez AY, Ramos-Bell S, Moreno-Hernández C, Rivas-García T, González-Estrada RR. Bionanocomposite coating film technologies for disease management in fruits and vegetables. Horticulturae. 2025 Jul 14;11(7):832. https://doi.org/10.3390/ horticulturae 11070832
  37. Sánchez-Silva JM, López-García UM, Gutierrez-Martinez P, Flores-Ramírez AY, Ramos-Bell S, Moreno-Hernández C, Rivas-García T, González-Estrada RR. Bionanocomposite coating film technologies for disease management in fruits and vegetables. Horticulturae. 2025 Jul 14;11(7):832.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fpsl.2022.100877
  38. Su G, Lin Y, Wang C, Lu J, Liu Z, He Z, Shu X, Chen W, Wu R, Li B, Zhu C. Expansin SlExp1 and endoglucanase SlCel2 synergistically promote fruit softening and cell wall disassembly in tomato. The Plant Cell. 2024 Mar;36(3):709-26.https://doi.org/10.1093/plcell/koad291
  39. Shahbazi F, Shahbazi S, Nadimi M, Paliwal J. Losses in agricultural produce: A review of causes and solutions, with a specific focus on grain crops. Journal of Stored Products Research. 2025 May 1;111:102547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2025.102547

Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 16
02
Received 04/06/2026
Accepted 19/06/2026
Published 25/07/2026
Publication Time 51 Days


Login

My IP

PlumX Metrics

Support