Applications of Antimicrobial Polymer Nanocomposites in Food Packaging

摘要: The demand for minimally processed, easily prepared and ready-to-eat ‘fresh’ food products, globalization of trade, distribution from centralized processing pose major challenges safety quality. Recently, extensive studies have been conducted to develop non-thermal techniques (PEF, HHP, IR, UV, US) as replacements thermal in order keep the freshness along with extending its shelf life. Although some these technologies are capable decontaminating food, they energy-intensive require costly equipment; hence, their yet relatively limited commercial applications. However, use proper packaging technology minimize losses provide safe sound products has always focus packaging. Nanotechnology potential influence sector greatly. Nanoscale innovations forms pathogen detection, active packaging, antimicrobial barrier formation poised elevate new heights. This chapter lays foundations role polymer nanocomposites (Emamifar et al., 2010; Brody 2008). briefly describes mainly on applications nanotechnology Effort will be made considerable extent explore using metal industry. Moreover, performance most common nanoparticles based zinc oxide, titanium oxide nanosilver applied directly plastic films, described. also demonstrates effect nanocomposite containing Ag ZnO life fresh orange juice inactivation Lactobacillus plantarum a case study.