Eco-Friendly Antioxidants in Sustainable Biopolymers: A Review

The emergence of eco-friendly antioxidants has gained prominence in recent studies since there is a growing interest in exploring the conversion of traditional synthetic antioxidants into environmentally sustainable additives, which prompts the consideration of more sustainable approaches in the development of new additives. In addition to possessing antioxidant capabilities comparable to synthetic antioxidants, they also have the benefits of being readily accessible, cost-effective, minimally poisonous, and possessing adjustable qualities. Furthermore, the production of sustainable biopolymers is expected to experience significant growth in the future, driven by the desire for a more sustainable economy and less reliance on fossil resources. Fully biobased formulations combining green additives and biopolymers are attracting significant attention in both academia and industry due to the unique benefits of lower carbon emissions and higher biochar content. This review examines four extensively studied categories of eco-friendly antioxidants (natural antioxidants, antioxidants derived from agricultural/food processing industry byproducts, biobased modified antioxidants, and carbon dots of plant origin), including production processes, antioxidant efficiencies, other common performance parameters, and their comparisons with conventional antioxidants; it provides a comprehensive overview and comparative analysis of the sources and properties of these antioxidants, as well as their potential applications in conjunction with sustainable biopolymers in the domains of active food packaging materials, cosmetic products, and biomedical materials. Furthermore, the obstacles and potential opportunities associated with developing eco-friendly antioxidants are summarized.