Applications of nanotechnology in food packaging and food safety: Barrier materials, antimicrobials and sensors

Abstract

Graphical abstract

Nanotechnology may revolutionize the food industry by providing stronger, high-barrier packaging materials, more potent antimicrobial agents, and a host of sensors which can detect trace contaminants, gasses or microbes in packaged foods.

Highlights

► Focuses on the use of nanomaterials in food packaging and sensing applications. ► Polymer nanocomposites offer high gas barriers, strength, and flame retardancy. ► Silver and metal oxide nanoparticles are potent biocides. ► Nanosensors and assays detect gasses, small molecules and microorganisms. ► Economic outlook and health and safety implications are also briefly reviewed.

Abstract

In this article, several applications of nanomaterials in food packaging and food safety are reviewed, including: polymer/clay nanocomposites as high barrier packaging materials, silver nanoparticles as potent antimicrobial agents, and nanosensors and nanomaterial-based assays for the detection of food-relevant analytes (gasses, small organic molecules and food-borne pathogens). In addition to covering the technical aspects of these topics, the current commercial status and understanding of health implications of these technologies are also discussed. These applications were chosen because they do not involve direct addition of nanoparticles to consumed foods, and thus are more likely to be marketed to the public in the short term.