Abstract

ADVANCEMENTS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN FOOD PACKAGING

Anu Keshwani, Bhanu Malhotra, Dr.Harsha Kharkwal*

ABSTRACT

From an era the over-exploitation of petrochemical based nonbiodegradable packaging materials have led to threat our environment in a serious way, which necessitates the need for the use of natural polymer based packaging materials in food packaging & wrapping which not only maintains the quality and safety but also extends the she shelf life of food product. Nanotechnology referred to as the science of very small materials, is researched to have a powerful impact on food production and packaging. Today, R&D of food packaging and the monitoring of the use of nanotechnology food packaging is a major focus in the food industry to prevent food spoilage, increase its shelf life, and provide quality and safety to the consumers as well as to ensure food reaches them in a wholesome form. A considerably low level of a nanoparticle is required and thought to be sufficient to change the properties of packaging materials without many changes in their density, transparency and packaging, processing characteristics due to their large aspect ratios. Nanotechnology solutions focus on food safety by controlling pathogenic microbial growth, improving tamper visibility, delaying oxidation, and convenience. Though the use of nano-based packaging materials in food packaging films has also raised a number of environmental, ethical, safety, and regulatory issues. But nanotechnology is expected to play a keen role, taking into consideration all additional safety measures and reach present packaging needs in the food industry. Near one billionth of a meter, is a much too small for the human eye to see is a nanometer a miniscule. For humans, a substance measuring 100 nm or less is impossible to comprehend. For the same reason, structures measuring 1 - 100 nm are not seen by a naked eye but exist and have applications that could be essential to humankind.[1]

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