Polymeric Nanocomposites and Nanocoatings for Food Packaging: A Review

Abstract

Special properties of the polymeric nanomaterials (nanoscale size, large surface area to mass ratio and high reactivity individualize them in food packaging materials. They can be processed in precisely engineered materials with multifunctional and bioactive activity. This review offers a general view on polymeric nanocomposites and nanocoatings including classification, preparation methods, properties and short methodology of characterization, applications, selected types of them used in food packaging field and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, biological, biocatalyst and so forth, functions.

Nanofibre‐based bilayer biopolymer films: enhancement of antioxidant activity and potential for food packaging application

“…However, the use of biopolymer‐based packaging materials is also a concern, owing to the poor barrier and mechanical properties. Nanocoatings can be an approach to improve the performance of biopolymers (Vasile, ). The process of coating in synergy with nanotechnology is being explored widely in recent years, for better flexibility and for innovative surfaces in food packaging applications.…”

Chitosan Composites in Packaging Industry—Current Trends and Future Challenges

“…Coatings are defined as coherent layers formed from coating materials to a substrate, which can be either directly applied onto the surface of foods, as edible coatings, or onto the surface of packaging materials to functionalize them [3,4].…”

“…The most efficient method, in respect to homogeneity of surface and thickness of deposited layer, to deposit chitosan into activated surface substrate of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was by immersion, however electrospraying was the most versatile [33]. Moreover, coupling agents can also be used in the process (e.g., ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride or 1-carbonyldiimidazole, N-hydroxysuccinimide) [3,32,34]. Chitosan grafted onto a PLA surface enhanced the antibacterial and antifungal effect of the polymer, while also added antioxidant properties to the packaging material [33].…”

Functionalization of Polymers and Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications: Antimicrobial Platforms and Drug Carriers

“…The combination use of engineered antimicrobial surface and antibacterial nanoparticles (like metal oxide nanoparticles) could result in super anti-microbial nanocomposites with additive or synergistic antimicrobial effects against infections [94,95]. Regardless of the mentioned approaches and applications, the use of functionalized surfaces could be also considered as an ideal choice for intelligent food packaging markets for preventing the spoilage of food through acting as anti-microbial agents, however, more investigation is required for this application [96,97]. Again, using the surface engineered nanomaterials as anti-fouling coatings for ceramics, tiles, enamel and architectural paints are the other attractive applications of these materials that received much attention from hospitals and other public places in the recent years [98,99].…”