Nanotechnological Studies in Packaging Sector: Innovative Solutions of the Future

What You Wonder About Nanotechnological Studies in the Packaging Sector...

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field of science and technology that is realized in sizes smaller than 100 nanometers. Nanotechnology, which creates advanced products with new techniques in every field; It provides benefits in sectors such as medicine, health, food, packaging materials and systems, medicine, electronics.

In recent years, due to the high increase in the consumption of ready-to-eat foods, it has become important that foods are fresh and durable for a long time. Especially in terms of shelf life and quality of foods, studies have been intensified in the packaging of processed meat and aquaculture products and fresh fruits and vegetables.

With nanotechnology, the safety and shelf life of foods can be taken under control with technological systems such as edible films, antimicrobial packaging, biodegradable materials, smart packaging, nanocomposite packaging and nanosensors, which have been developed recently.

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 cause deterioration in the quality of foods by causing changes in color, taste and odor.

The application of packaging techniques in addition to cold storage techniques ensures that the freshness of foods is preserved for longer periods of time. The effect of oxygen is partially prevented with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) or vacuum packaging applications, but since oxygen cannot be completely removed with these systems, the oxygen contained in the package material and passing to the food from the outside cannot be neutralized. One of the packaging methods for this purpose is the active / intelligent packaging system.

Thanks to the packaging systems of nanotechnology;

• Modifying the permeability of the material by adding various nanoparticles such as silver and titanium oxide to the packaging materials, creating an anaerobic environment by providing oxygen absorbing properties to the surface of the packaging in contact with food and thus creating antimicrobial and antifungal surfaces.
• By limiting the oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of packaging materials using various nanocomposites, bad odors are blocked, 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 packaging

In the field of nanotechnology packaging; mechanical, thermal and barrier properties will be stronger with the addition of appropriate nano particles for appropriate foods. Although the need for durable and protective packaging in seafood as the most perishable products has increased day by day, these new technology packages are 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.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Packaging Analysis. We also provide services on NIAS Determination in Packaging.

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