BLOG
KATEGORİDEKİ DİĞER YAZILAR
Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field of science and technology realized in sizes smaller than 100 nanometers. Nanotechnology that creates advanced products with new techniques in every field; It provides benefits in sectors such as medicine, healthcare, food, packaging materials and systems, pharmaceuticals, electronics.
Due to the high increase in consumption of ready-made foods in recent years, it has become important that foods are fresh and durable for a long time. Especially in terms of the shelf life and quality of foods, studies have been intensified on the packaging of processed meat and seafood products and fresh fruits and vegetables.
With nanotechnology, the safety and shelf life of foods can be brought under control, especially with technological systems such as edible films, antimicrobial packaging, biodegradable materials, smart packaging, nano-cohesive packaging, nanosensors.
The shelf life of perishable foods can be determined by considering the chemical effect of atmospheric oxygen and the growth of aerobic microorganisms. Each of these factors alone or in conjunction with each other causes changes in color, taste and odor, causing deterioration in the quality of foods.
The application of packaging techniques as well as cold preservation techniques ensures that the freshness of foods is preserved for a longer time. The effect of oxygen is partially prevented by packing foods in a modified atmosphere (MAP) or vacuum packaging applications, but since oxygen cannot be completely removed with these systems, the oxygen in the package material and passing to the food from outside cannot be neutralized. One of the packaging methods made for this purpose; It is an active / smart packaging system.
Thanks to the packaging systems of nanotechnology;
• By adding various nanoparticles such as silver and titanium oxide to the packaging materials, it is ensured that the permeability of the material is modified, an anaerobic environment is created by adding oxygen absorbing properties to the surface of the packaging that comes into contact with the food, thus creating antimicrobial and antifungal surfaces.
• By using various nanocomposites, the oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of packaging materials are limited, preventing bad odors, preserving the freshness of the product and increasing its shelf life.
Nanotechnology is used in 3 different categories for food packaging:
1. Nanocomposite packaging materials
2. Biodegradable nanocomposite packaging materials
3. Antimicrobial active and smart nano packages
In the field of nanotechnology packaging; Mechanical, thermal and barrier properties will be stronger by adding nanoparticles suitable for suitable foods. Although the need for durable and protective packaging in aquaculture products as the most perishable products has increased day by day, this new technology packaging is not yet used in our country. However, studies and projects on aquaculture and packaging of processed products show that the use in this sector will develop in the future.
