Recent trends in nanotechnology applications of bio-based packaging

Abstract

Nanotechnology has reached to almost every sector and amazed the world by offering various potential applications in these sectors. Since nanostructure materials have been known for their unique physical and chemical properties and enhanced performance, hence preferred over their macrostructure counterparts. Food industry is one of the areas in which nanotechnology has transformed the way of preserving, processing, testing and packaging of foods. Nanotechnology based advanced packaging has made it possible to transport food items safely without spoiling the taste, nutrition and quality. Moreover, it also prevents contamination and sustains mechanical, physiological, physical and chemical properties of food items. Various nanomaterials have been used in food packaging to provide improved, active, bio-based, and smart/intelligent packaging. Smart/intelligent packaging ensures food safety by detecting contamination, gases, moisture, temperature and other food parameters by means of sensors. On the other hand, bio-based packaging employs biodegradable and biocompatible packaging material in place of conventional plastic for the protection from any kind of food spoilage. Although, more efforts are needed to resolve cost and other property related issues of bio-based packaging materials. There are many studies available on nanopackaging such as improved, active and intelligent packaging but only a few have focused on bio-based packaging. Bio-based packaging is next generation packaging that encourages the use of natural polymers instead of conventional plastics. This paper summarizes different types of nanopackaging materials with special focus on bio-based packaging and unique features and attributes of improved, active and intelligent packaging. Recent advances in bio-based packaging and presumed risk of nanoparticle migration have also been discussed.