title: Nanocomposites in food packaging applications and their risk assessment for health.
abstract: Nanotechnology has shown many advantages in different fields. As the uses of nanotechnology have progressed, it has been found to be a promising technology for the food packaging industry in the global market. It has proven capabilities that are valuable in packaging foods, including improved barriers; mechanical, thermal, and biodegradable properties; and applications in active and intelligent food packaging. Examples of the latter are anti-microbial agents and nanosensors, respectively. However, the use of nanocomposites in food packaging might be challenging due to the reduced particle size of nanomaterials and the fact that the chemical and physical characteristics of such tiny materials may be quite different from those of their macro-scale counterparts. In order to discuss the potential risks of nanoparticles for consumers, in addition to the quantification of data, a thorough investigation of their characteristics is required. Migration studies must be conducted to determine the amounts of nanomaterials released into the food matrices. In this article, different applications of nanocomposites in food packaging, migration issues, analyzing techniques, and the main concerns about their usage are discussed briefly.
authors: Student's Research Committee, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Zohreh
authors: Z
authors: Honarvar
authors: Ph.D. of Food Technology, Assistant Professor of Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Zahra
authors: Z
authors: Hadian
authors: Assistant Professor of Food Technology, School of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Morteza
authors: M
authors: Mashayekh
keywords: Food; Nanocomposite; Packaging: Risk assessment