Nanotechnology driven improvement of smart food packaging.

The excellence of nanotechnology paved the way for its application in the food industry recently. Several industrial initiatives are now working on developing nano-based food packaging to improve food quality and ensure its safety. Along with providing improved mechanical property and barrier system, it also intimates the current condition of a food product. The ultimate goal is to extend the shelf life of food products, which the use of nanostructures can accomplish. The fabricated nanostructure is designed to release preservatives such as antimicrobials, at times to improve the shelf life. Two key applications of nanotechnology in the food sector are to develop nanostructured materials for food packaging or processing and nanosensors to detect food spoilage. This review discusses the types of nanomaterials used for food packaging, the advantages of nanobased packaging over conventional methods, and provides an overview of the risk of nanoparticles on the biological system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]