Nanomaterials for Food Packaging: Materials, Processing Technologies, and Safety Issues

Nanotechnology for Food Packaging: Materials, Processing Technologies, and Safety Issues showcases the latest research in the use of nanotechnology in food packaging, providing an in-depth and interdisciplinary overview of the field. Nanoscale advances in materials science, processing technology and analytical techniques have led to the introduction of new, cheaper and safer packaging techniques. Simultaneously, the increasing use of renewable nanomaterials has made food packaging more sustainable. Chapters provide a comprehensive review on materials used, their structure–function relationship, and new processing technologies for the application and production of nanotechnology-based packaging materials.

In addition, the book discusses the use of functional materials for the development of active, smart and intelligent packaging, possible migration and toxicity of nanomaterials for foods and regulatory aspects, and commercial applications.

Provides detailed information on the use of nanomaterials and methodologies in food packaging, possible applications and regulatory barriers to commercializationPresents an interdisciplinary approach that brings together materials science, bioscience, and the industrial and regulatory aspects of the creation and uses of food packagingHelps those undertaking research and development in food packaging gain a cogent understanding on how nanotechnology is leading to the emergence of new packaging technologies

1. Nanotechnology in food packaging: opportunities and challenges
2. Inorganic-based nanostructures and their use in food packaging (clays, silica, Ag)
3. Cellulose-based nanostructures and their use in food packaging (nanocrystal, nanowhiskers, nanofibers)
4. Bio-based nanocomposites (starch nanocrystal, chitosan nanoparticles, proteins, polysaccharides, PHB, PLA)
5. Structure–property relationships in polymer nanocomposites for food packaging
6. Production and processing of nanocomposites (melting extrusion, film-bowing, new challenges)
7. Nanostructured multilayer films (Layer-by-layer, electrospinning)
8. Active and smart packaging (antimicrobial nanocomposites, loaded nanostructures, scavenging, examples)
9. Intelligent packaging (sensors, detection of molecules, examples)
10. Potential migration of nanocomposites for foods (used testes, examples, challenges)
11. Safety and regulatory issues (health, environmental aspects)
12. Commercial applications (products in the market, patents)