Effect of migration on the functionality of zinc oxide nanoparticle in polybutylene adipate terephthalate/thermoplastic starch films: A food simulant study.

Active packaging relies on controlled release of antimicrobials for food protection; however, uncontrolled migration due to environmental factors poses safety and functionality challenges. This study investigated the stability of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP) in poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate)/thermoplastic starch (PBAT/TPS) biopolymer film for active food packaging applications. While incorporating ZnONP significantly enhanced the properties and active functionalities (UV-light blocking, antimicrobial activity) of PBAT/TPS film, food simulants posed significant stability challenges.

Effect of Repeated Contact to Food Simulants on the Chemical and Functional Properties of Nano ZnO Composited LDPE Films for Reusable Food Packaging.

The effect of repeated contact with food simulants on the properties and functionality of zinc oxide (ZnO) in nanocomposite films was investigated to examine possible safety hazards from the point of view of long-term use as food packaging. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) embedded with 5 wt% nano-ZnO was immersed in distilled water, 50% ethanol, 4% acetic acid, and n-heptane. The cycle of immersion-rinse-dry was repeated up to 40 times for same sample under constant condition.

Colorimetric Freshness Indicator Based on Cellulose Nanocrystal-Silver Nanoparticle Composite for Intelligent Food Packaging.

In this study, a colorimetric freshness indicator based on cellulose nanocrystal-silver nanoparticles (CNC-AgNPs) was successfully fabricated to offer a convenient approach for monitoring the quality of packaged food. AgNPs were directly synthesized and embedded in CNC via a one-pot hydrothermal green synthesis, and CNC-AgNP composited indicator films were prepared using a simple casting method. The AgNPs obtained were confirmed by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.

A Facile Green Fabrication and Characterization of Cellulose-Silver Nanoparticle Composite Sheets for an Antimicrobial Food Packaging.

The present study focused on a facile and green approach for the one-step synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in hard wood bleached kraft fiber. The hydroxyl groups on the cellulose chain induced ionic silver reduction with additional hydrothermal energy, allowing for the formation and deposition of AgNPs on the cellulose fiber. The white color of the bleached fiber transformed to yellow due to the formation of AgNPs.

Optical response of photonic cellulose nanocrystal film for a novel humidity indicator.

Herein, an optical colorimetric sensor based on photonic cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was successfully developed to offer a convenient approach for measuring the qualitative index of high humidity (>85% RH). The addition of monovalent electrolyte (0.11 wt% NaCl) to CNC suspension before gelation enabled CNC film to bear consistent pinkish color, which is far better to readily reflect the visible color appeared as the pitch increases by water uptake.

The green fabrication, characterization and evaluation of catalytic antioxidation of gold nanoparticle-lignocellulose composite papers for active packaging.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were directly synthesized and anchored on lignocellulose fiber without an external immobilizing agent via a facile green approach using unbleached kraft (UBK) softwood pulp. The obtained AuNPs were confirmed by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The antioxidant behavior of the as-prepared AuNP-UBK fiber nanocomposite was evaluated by free radical scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH).

Applications of Nanomaterials in Food Packaging.

Nanomaterials have drawn great interest in recent years due to their extraordinary properties that make them advantageous in food packaging applications. Specifically, nanoparticles can impart significant barrier properties, as well as mechanical, optical, catalytic, and antimicrobial properties into packaging. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and nanoclay account for the majority of the nano-enabled food packaging on the market, while others, such as nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium, share less of the current market.

Photochemical synthesis, characterization and enhanced visible light induced photocatalysis of Ag modified TiO2 nanocatalyst.

Nanocomposite of titania (TiO2) and silver (Ag) has been synthesized by a photochemical deposition method. We investigated the simultaneous enhancement of visible light sensitivity and photocatalytic activities of as-prepared Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst. The resulting Ag-TiO2 nanomaterials were characterized by various analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence (PL).

Nano-food packaging: an overview of market, migration research, and safety regulations.

Recently, food packages produced with nanoparticles, "nano-food packaging," have become more available in the current market. However, although the use of nanomaterials is increasing in food packaging applications, concern over toxicity affects consumer perceptions and acceptance. Quite a number of commercialized forms of nano-food packaging are coated or composited product with inorganic materials, for example, nanosilver and nanoclay as representative examples.