Scientists from NTU Singapore and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have collaborated to develop a "smart" food packaging material. The material is biodegradable, sustainable, and can kill harmful microbes. 

The packaging is made out of a corn protein called "zein," starch, and other biopolymers, and it can extend the shelf life of fresh fruit by 2–3 days. It is also infused with natural antimicrobial compounds, such as oil from thyme and citrus acid.