16 - New approaches and future aspects of antibacterial food packaging: from nanoparticles coating to nanofibers and nanocomposites, with foresight to address the regulatory uncertainty

Abstract

This chapter discusses important advances achieved by researchers who seek to safeguard products in the food industry through antibacterial food packaging. Nano-packaging materials with antibacterial functions have the potential to influence the food-packaging sector by boosting food protection, safety, and quality, extending food shelf life, and solving environmental problems. The objective of this chapter is to introduce different antibacterial nanostructures used in food packaging, from the earliest application of single-layer nanoclay/polymer to the current use of nanofibers, polymer nanocomposites, and bio-nanocomposites for creating potent antibacterial systems. This was aimed to introduce nano-antibacterial food packaging systems as feasible alternatives to the old generation of food packaging. Future studies toward the development of multifunctional nanostructure packaging with multiple properties acting as antibacterial barrier, UV-protecting components, nanosensors, and enhanced mechanical properties will revolutionize the food industry by answering regulatory uncertainties and addressing involved challenges through optimization.