Pectin-based nanocomposite aerogels for potential insulated food packaging application

Recent advances and challenges on applications of nanotechnology in food packaging. A literature review

Nanotechnology applied to food and beverage packaging has created enormous interest in recent years, but in the same time there are many controversial issues surrounding nanotechnology and food. The benefits of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in food-contact applications are accompanied by safety concerns due to gaps in understanding of their possible toxicology. In case of incorporation in food contact polymers, the first step to consumer exposure is the transfer of ENPs from the polymer to the food. Hence, to improve understanding of risk and benefit, the key questions are whether nanoparticles can be released from food contact polymers and under which conditions. This review has two main goals. Firstly, it will presents the current advancements in the application of ENPs in food and beverage packaging sector to grant active and intelligent properties. A particular focus will be placed on current demands in terms of risk assessment strategies associated with the use ENPs in food contact materials (FCMs), i.e. up-to-date migration/cytotoxicity studies of ENPs which are partly contradictory. Food matrix effects are often ignored, and may have a pronounced impact on the behaviour of ENPs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). A standardized food model (SFM) for evaluating the toxicity and fate of ingested ENPs was recently proposed and herein discussed with the aims to offer an overview to the reader. It is therefore clear that further systematic research is needed, which must account for interactions and transformations of ENMs in foods (food matrix effect) and in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that are likely to determine nano-biointeractions. Secondly, the review provides an extensive analysis of present market dynamics on ENPs in food/beverage packaging moving beyond concept to current industrial applications.

Nano-scale polysaccharide materials in food and agricultural applications

Potential applications of nanotechnology in food and agriculture include: (1) the encapsulation of functional compounds; (2) production of reinforcing materials; (3) delivery of nutraceuticals in foods; (4) food safety, for detection and control of chemical and microbiological risks; (5) active and intelligent food packaging; (6) incorporation of protective substances of seeds; (7) addition of nutrients in the soil; (8) use of controlled release pesticides. Natural polysaccharides and their derivatives are widely used in the production of nano-scale materials. This chapter examines, the use of polysaccharides, such as starch, cellulose, lignin, pectin, gums, and cyclodextrins for the production of nano-scale materials, including nanocrystals, nanoemulsions, nanocomplexes, nanocapsules, and nanofibers.

Recent Developments in Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials

The increasing demand for high food quality and safety, and concerns of environment sustainable development have been encouraging researchers in the food industry to exploit the robust and green biodegradable nanocomposites, which provide new opportunities and challenges for the development of nanomaterials in the food industry. This review paper aims at summarizing the recent three years of research findings on the new development of nanomaterials for food packaging. Two categories of nanomaterials (i.e., inorganic and organic) are included. The synthetic methods, physical and chemical properties, biological activity, and applications in food systems and safety assessments of each nanomaterial are presented. This review also highlights the possible mechanisms of antimicrobial activity against bacteria of certain active nanomaterials and their health concerns. It concludes with an outlook of the nanomaterials functionalized in food packaging.