Biomimetic materials for sustainable fruit and vegetable supply chain

The global food crisis is worsening owing to severe losses in the fruit and vegetable supply chain, driven by rapid population growth, geopolitical conflicts, and environmental challenges. This review primarily addresses the requirements of the fruit and vegetable supply chain and investigates the functional properties of biomimetic materials as potential solutions to the challenges faced. These materials provide advanced postharvest preservation solutions through hydrophobicity, adhesion, self-healing, enhanced mechanical properties, and microbial inhibition. They also have the potential to mitigate losses caused by cold chain fluctuations and transportation vibrations. Furthermore, their integrated sensing and stimulus-responsive capabilities enable autonomous problem resolution. A theoretical framework has been established for the future development and optimization of biomimetic materials in the fruit and vegetable supply chain, with proposed pathways to reduce waste and enhance food safety. These developments highlight the potential of biomimetic materials to transform supply chain management and mitigate food losses.