Applications of Inorganic Nanoparticles in Food Packaging: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) have acquired significance in technological breakthroughs due to their unique properties, such as size, shape, chemical composition, physiochemical stability, crystal structure, and larger surface area. There is a huge demand for packaging materials that can keep food fresher for extended periods of time. The incorporation of nanoscale fillers in the polymer matrix would assists in the alleviation of packaging material challenges while also improving functional qualities. Increased barrier properties, thermal properties like melting point and glass transition temperatures, and changed functionalities like surface wettability and hydrophobicity are all features of these polymers containing nanocomposites. Inorganic nanoparticles also have the potential to reduce the growth of bacteria within the packaging. By incorporating nano-sized components into biopolymer-based packaging materials, waste material generated during the packaging process may be reduced. The different inorganic nanoparticles such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, copper oxide, silver, and gold are the most preferred inorganic nanoparticles used in food packaging. Food systems can benefit from using these packaging materials and improve physicochemical and functional properties. The compatibility of inorganic nanoparticles and their various forms with different polymers make them excellent components for package fortification. This review article describes the various aspects of developing and applying inorganic nanoparticles in food packaging. This study provides diverse uses of metals and metal oxides nanoparticles in food packaging films for the development of improved packaging films that can extend the shelf life of food products. These packaging solutions containing nanoparticles would effectively preserve, protect, and maintain the quality of the food material.

Application of Nanocomposites from Bees Products and Nano-Selenium in Edible Coating for Catfish Fillets Biopreservation

“…The estimated amounts of SeNPs that were applied during a fillet's coating with BCht/Pro/SeNPs are ~250-300 µg/kg, which relies on the safe daily levels of Se consumption in humans (the demanded daily Se intake for the human body = 40-300 µg, whereas toxicity transpires at dosages higher than 3200 µg/day) [22,23]. The reported bioactivity, biotoxicity and bioavailability of Se particles are principally influenced by their structural forms; the SeNPs have abundantly lower toxicity with amplified bioavailability compared with bulk Se particles [19].…”

“…Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health due to its antioxidative and co-enzymatic roles in the body; a Se deficiency can frequently lead to hypothyroidism, heart disease, and immune system weakening [22,23]. The synthesized nanoparticles from Se (e.g., SeNPs) have an outstanding bioefficacy, minimal toxicity and higher biocompatibility when compared with other forms of organic/inorganic Se compounds, especially with biosynthesis application [22][23][24][25][26]. The Se toxicity could appear with human adult consumption of ≥3200 µg/day [22,23].…”

“…The synthesized nanoparticles from Se (e.g., SeNPs) have an outstanding bioefficacy, minimal toxicity and higher biocompatibility when compared with other forms of organic/inorganic Se compounds, especially with biosynthesis application [22][23][24][25][26]. The Se toxicity could appear with human adult consumption of ≥3200 µg/day [22,23]. The excellent nutraceuticals and therapeutic aptitudes of biosynthesized SeNPs were prominent among other metals NPs, including their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, anticancer and immune-stimulation properties [21,24,27].…”

Innovative Approach for Controlling Black Rot of Persimmon Fruits by Means of Nanobiotechnology from Nanochitosan and Rosmarinic Acid-Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles

“…Of the diverse factors for harvested fruits and vegetable spoilage, a fungal attack is a leading factor that causes the majority of crop losses [ 5 ]; these destructive fungal pathogens can sporulate, resist most postharvest treatments and infect the fruits at any stage from farming to marketing. Alternaria alternata is one the most aggressive fungal species that can attack plentiful agricultural produces, in diverse climatic conditions [ 6 ].…”

Electrospun Smart Oxygen Indicating Tag for Modified Atmosphere Packaging Applications: Fabrication, Characterization and Storage Stability

“…Earlier, electrospun oxygen indicators were developed using polyethylene oxide [ 29 ], polyvinyl alcohol [ 30 ], and sulfonated electrospun polystyrene [ 31 ] fibers. However, polysaccharide biopolymers from renewable sources such as microbial (e.g., xanthan, pullulan; bacterial cellulose; pectin) and seaweed-based (e.g., furcellaran, alginate, carrageenan) gums, which could usher in sustainable solutions [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ] to the food processing and packaging industry, have not been particularly explored for developing electrospun oxygen indicators.…”