Nanotechnology in Packaging for Food Industry: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in food preservation, offering innovative solutions for food monitoring and enabling the creation of packaging with unique functional properties. The nanomaterials used in the packaging can extend the shelf life of foods, enhance food safety, keep consumers informed about contamination or food spoilage, repair packaging damage, and even release preservatives to prolong the durability of food items. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the diverse applications of nanotechnology in food packaging, highlighting its key advantages. Safety considerations and regulations related to nanotechnology packaging are also addressed, along with the evaluation of potential risks to human health and the environment, emphasizing that this field faces challenges in terms of safety considerations and regulations. Additionally, the development of nanotechnology-based packaging can drive advancements in food preservation by creating safer, more sustainable, and higher-quality packaging. Thus, nanotechnology offers the potential to enhance the efficiency and functionality of packaging, delivering substantial benefits for both manufacturers and consumers.

Νovel Polylactic Acid/Tetraethyl Citrate Self-Healable Active Packaging Films Applied to Pork Fillets’ Shelf-Life Extension

“…Today, the global trends of sustainability and the circular economy require the use of new biobased materials or materials derived from food by-products and/or the processing of agricultural waste [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. In the field of Food Science and Technology, this trend has pushed researchers to the need to use new biodegradable and environmentally friendly food packaging films [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. The most widely used plastic products are packaging films, the waste of which has caused almost irreversible environmental damage and is a very serious issue that demands solutions worldwide [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Zein-Based Nanoparticles as Active Platforms for Sustainable Applications: Recent Advances and Perspectives

“…Despite limitations such as insolubility and non-uniform shape, size, and stability in storage, proteins are being explored as a means of producing nanoparticles and delivery systems for active molecules. Nanocomposites are a promising solution to overcome the limitations of traditional packaging by providing specific functionalities such as antimicrobial effects, degradation rate, thermal properties, barrier function, and food safety properties [ 7 , 118 , 119 , 120 ].…”

“… Schematic model: ( a ) advantages of bio-nanocomposites plastic packaging [ 118 ]; ( b ) antifungal application on citrus green of the protein-based NPs with pomegranate peels and nanochitosan as edible coatings for mold protection [ 119 ]; ( c ) effects of biodegradable and bioactive packaging on the food [ 122 ]. …”

Unveiling the Future: Nanotechnology's Role in Advanced Food Packaging

“…Nanoparticles, such as silica-modified magnetite and carbon dots, have been developed as effective adsorbents for heavy metal ions, demonstrating their potential for environmental remediation and pollution control. Moreover, the use of nanotechnology has proven beneficial in inhibiting biofilm formation and preventing bacterial contamination in food processing industries (de Sousa et al 2023). Nanoparticles like nano-silver and nickel oxide have exhibited antimicrobial properties, inhibiting biofilm formation of various bacterial strains, including Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumonia.…”