Metaheuristic-Optimized Cassava Starch/CNF/SiO 2 Bio-Nanocomposite Films for Sustainable Food Packaging: A Data-Driven Approach

Addressing the urgent challenges of plastic pollution and food waste, this study develops a high-performance, fully biodegradable bio-nanocomposite film from renewable agricultural resources through a data-driven optimization approach. The ternary system combines cassava starch (matrix), cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs for reinforcement), and nano-silica materials (SiO 2 -NPs as barrier enhancer). Response Surface Methodology synergistically coupled with the Firefly Algorithm—a metaheuristic optimization technique—systematically determined the optimal formulation (1.99% w / v starch, 1.38% w / v CNF, 0.30% w / v SiO 2 -NPs). The optimized film achieved exceptional performance: tensile strength of 5.813 MPa, elongation at break of 12.37%, and water vapor permeability of 5.395 × 10 −6 g·cm −1 ·s −1 ·Pa −1 . Critically, the film demonstrated over 80% biodegradation within 60 days and superior UV-shielding capabilities (>90%), effectively extending food shelf-life while minimizing environmental impact. This work establishes a robust strategy for designing sustainable packaging materials through intelligent optimization, valorizing agricultural by-products, and contributing to circular economy principles and UN Sustainable Development Goals. The integration of renewable resources with metaheuristic algorithms represents a significant advancement toward sustainable food packaging solutions.