Bio-nanocomposites for food packaging applications

Food packaging based on polymer nanomaterials

Nanotechnology is one of the most important tools in modern agriculture, and agri-food nanotechnology is anticipated to become a driving economic force in the near future. Agri-food themes focus on sustainability and protection of agriculturally produced foods, including crops for human consumption and animal feeding. Nanotechnology provides new agrochemical agents and new delivery mechanisms to improve crop productivity, and it promises to reduce pesticide use. Nanotechnology can boost agricultural production, and its applications include: 1) nanoformulations of agrochemicals for applying pesticides and fertilizers for crop improvement; 2) the application of nanosensors/nanobiosensors in crop protection for the identification of diseases and residues of agrochemicals; 3) nanodevices for the genetic manipulation of plants; 4) plant disease diagnostics; 5) animal health, animal breeding, poultry production; and 6) postharvest management. Precision farming techniques could be used to further improve crop yields but not damage soil and water, reduce nitrogen loss due to leaching and emissions, as well as enhance nutrients long-term incorporation by soil microorganisms. Nanotechnology uses include nanoparticle-mediated gene or DNA transfer in plants for the development of insect-resistant varieties, food processing and storage, nanofeed additives, and increased product shelf life. Nanotechnology promises to accelerate the development of biomass-to-fuels production technologies. Experts feel that the potential benefits of nanotechnology for agriculture, food, fisheries, and aquaculture need to be balanced against concerns for the soil, water, and environment and the occupational health of workers. Raising awareness of nanotechnology in the agri-food sector, including feed and food ingredients, intelligent packaging and quick-detection systems, is one of the keys to influencing consumer acceptance. On the basis of only a handful of toxicological studies, concerns have arisen regarding the safety of nanomaterials, and researchers and companies will need to prove that these nanotechnologies do not have more of a negative impact on the environment.

https://www.dovepress.com/getfile.php?fileID=20118

Nanotechnology in agri-food production: an overview.

The development of nanocomposites is a new strategy to improve physical properties of polymers, including mechanical strength, thermal stability, and gas barrier properties. The most promising nanoscale size fillers are montmorillonite and kaolinite clays. Graphite nanoplates are currently under study. In food packaging, a major emphasis is on the development of high barrier properties against the migration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, flavor compounds, and water vapor. Decreasing water vapor permeability is a critical issue in the development of biopolymers as sustainable packaging materials. The nanoscale plate morphology of clays and other fillers promotes the development of gas barrier properties. Several examples are cited. Challenges remain in increasing the compatibility between clays and polymers and reaching complete dispersion of nanoplates. Nanocomposites may advance the utilization of biopolymers in food packaging.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01456.x

Review: Nanocomposites in Food Packaging

Recent research has highlighted the potential for nanotechnologies’ use in wide ranging food applications, including improving supplements, novel food packaging, increasing the range of food textures, colours and tastes, increasing the efficiency of liquid filters, cooking oil catalysation and targeted crop pesticides. Because of these new developments it is likely that radical changes in the way food is perceived, stored, packaged, transported, monitored, consumed and processed will come about. Available literature suggests that many uncertainties remain about nanomaterials, including the potential for bioaccumulation and potential human health risks. While proposed applications of nanotechnologies are wide and varied, developments are met with some caution, while progress may be stifled by lack of governance and potential risks.

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Nanotechnologies in the food industry – Recent developments, risks and regulation

The Institute of Food Technologists has issued this Scientific Status Summary to update readers on food packaging and its impact on the environment.

http://www.petrops.com/Files/article_pdf/food%20packaging.pdf

Food packaging--roles, materials, and environmental issues.

The Institute of Food Technologists has issued this Scientific Status Summary to inform readers of recent innovations in food packaging materials

/pdf/scientific-status-summary-innovative-food-packaging-3cvvc5q5cn.pdf

Betty Bugusu

Papers

Food packaging--roles, materials, and environmental issues.

Scientific Status Summary: Innovative food packaging solutions

Formation of cereal protein disulfide-linked stable matrices by apigeninidin, a 3-deoxyanthocyanidin.