Additional information is available at the end of the chapter http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/53287 .
Introduction . . Nanoparticles: Physicochemical characteristics and applications in foodsNanoparticles are elemental three dimensional structures that are typically betweennanometers nm in size that exhibit unique physiochemical characteristics that provide the basis for their utilization, and present unique challenges associated with the development of new applications [ , ]. Because of their size, nanoparticles provide the opportunity to interact with human physiology at the subcellular level, affording many potential uses in nutrient and drug delivery, vaccination therapies, and tissue repair. Specific physiologic applications can be achieved by chemical modification of the nanoparticle to achieve increased blood circulation parameters thus increasing their residence time in the tissues, or by the specific targeting of tissues using ligands. The uses of nanotechnology in foods are as complex and varied as the types of formulations that can be created with this technology. Current technological applications that impact foods include the manufacture of food packaging, including packaging that incorporates antimicrobial agents such as silver, [ ] or detection particles gold , flavor enhancement, and delivery of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals [ -]. While their potential or actual application present strong advantages, it is imperative that there be a thorough understanding regarding the physiology of nanoparticle absorption, or the consequences of their containment or integration within the mammalian physiological and cellular environment.
. . Food packagingHistorically, food packaging has typically consisted of conventional materials such as paper or metal-based materials. The use of polymeric formulations improved the ability to retain © 2013 Principato; licensee InTech. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. moisture and provided a gas barrier, thus extending food shelf life. Typically, the Food and Drug Administration requires that the manufacturer of food contact material comply with the regulatory requirements for each individual substance that comprises the entire formulation of the food contact material [ ]. These food contact materials have typically included paper, metallic-based items, and polymeric compounds such as polyethylene terephthalate PET , polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and others. Recently the formulation of nanocomposites has improved the ability to produce food contact surfaces that are superior with respect to their heating and gas barrier resistance characteristics [ , , ]. Typically, a combination of previously approved compounds and nano-material has been used for the construction of the newer nanocomposite materials that strive to enhance the...