Nanomaterials in food packaging: state of the art and analysis

Abstract

It is less than 20 years since nanotechnology found applications in food packaging. The new packaging materials have featured various improved characteristics such as antimicrobial activity and active packaging. However, there is a great controversy about the production cost, safety and suitability of nanocomposite materials to come in contact with foodstuffs. To this end, we critically summarize the literature in order to provide the overview of the current status in the field. A scientometric evaluation is presented for the first time in order to illustrate the state of the art. The USA and the Asian countries are the leaders, while the EU countries follow. Additionally, as the analysis of nanomaterials in food matrices is still in early stage, there is an emerging demand to review the analytical techniques which are capable for the monitoring of nanomaterials. Microscopy, spectroscopy, separation and mass spectrometry techniques show advantages and drawbacks which are discussed. FFF-ICP-MS and sp-ICP-MS have the greatest potential for the detection of inorganic nanoparticles in food. In conclusion, the difficulty of analyzing nanoparticles is increased by the lack of standard solutions, reference materials, standard methods and the limited number of available inter-laboratory proficiency tests.

Metabolomic analyses of the bio-corona formed on TiO2 nanoparticles incubated with plant leaf tissues

“…Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) are widely used in food and cosmetics [1][2][3]. In addition to their use in sunscreens, paints, ointments, toothpaste-to name just some products-continuing efforts in the synthesis and modifications of TiO 2 NPs have brought about new applications, most important being photovoltaics and remediation [1]. This increased use of TiO 2 NPs also intensified studies of the environmental impact of this nanomaterial.…”

“…In addition to their use in sunscreens, paints, ointments, toothpaste-to name just some products-continuing efforts in the synthesis and modifications of TiO 2 NPs have brought about new applications, most important being photovoltaics and remediation [1]. This increased use of TiO 2 NPs also intensified studies of the environmental impact of this nanomaterial. Although TiO 2 NPs were previously viewed as inert to the extent that they were used as a negative control in toxicological studies, sufficient evidence has recently accumulated indicating that exposure to TiO 2 NPs impacts all organisms from bacteria to plants and humans [4][5][6][7].…”

Possible applications of metal nanoparticles in antimicrobial food packaging

“…According to Youssef and El‐Sayed (), food packaging associated with nanotechnology amounted to US$4.13 billion in 2008, and the projected compound annual growth rate has been about 12%. Food packaging with nanomaterials became part of the U.S. and Asian market, whereas the European countries are still conducting studies concerning the safety of that solution (Tsagkaris et al, ). Based on this global tendency, it is predicted that nanotechnology will be the main drive in the progress of novel packaging application systems designed to satisfy consumers' requirements.…”

“…According to Pereda, Marcovich, and Ansorena (2017), nanotechnology may revolutionize the global food system, whereas Tsagkaris, Tzegkas, and Danezis (2018) state that the application of nanomaterials may increase food safety as nanomaterials can be used, for example, to monitor the presence of pesticide residue in food products.…”

“…Food packaging with nanomaterials became part of the U.S. and Asian market, whereas the European countries are still conducting studies concerning the safety of that solution (Tsagkaris et al, 2018). Based on this global tendency, it is predicted that nanotechnology will be the main drive in the progress of novel packaging application systems designed to satisfy consumers' requirements.…”