Nanotechnology in Food and Food Packaging

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Nanotechnology is already making an impact on people’s day-to-day life in numerous ways. These changes are usually minimal, so much so that customers may not be aware of purchasing a new product that has been improved with nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology in Food and Food Packaging

Nanotechnology can be used in the processing, production, safety, as well as packaging of food. One hope is to regulate and enhance agricultural production. Similarly, another vision of nanotechnology is to exploit atoms and molecules of food to design food with greater sustainability, lower costs, and much more capability than today. Fresh, naturally preserved, and minimally processed foods are the ubiquitous demand of consumers.

Nano-Composite Coating for Food Packaging

The process of nano-composite coating involves enhancing food packaging by directly placing anti-microbial agents on the coated film surface. Gas permeability of different fillers could be increased or decreased by nano-composites, as is required for a variety of products. In addition, nano-composites can enhance the heat-resistance and mechanical properties, and reduce the transmission rate of oxygen.

Studies are being carried out to use nanotechnology for detecting biological and chemical substances, and thus sense biochemical variations in foods. Such control can possibly be extended to the entire food chain in the years to come.