F. Farrokhi - M.Sc. Graduated of food science and Technology Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Tehran

Application of polymer nanotechnology can provide new food packaging materials with improved mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties, together with nano-sensors for tracing and monitoring thecondition of food during transport and storage. Undoubtedly these innovative packaging solutions to be of complete success must also fulfillrequirements on food safety (controlling microbial growth, delaying oxidation and improving tamper visibility), product quality (managingvolatile flavors and aromas), convenience and sustainability. There are currently several food and beverage products with nanotechnology on theforeign markets and under investigations according to their producers. However, without a public debate on nanotechnology in food acceptance ofthe products by the consumers, implementation of guidelines and risk assessment methods, it is difficult to determine how many of these productscan found suitable application. The most important issues to consider are the safety concerns due to possible migration of nanoparticles from thepackaging material into food and their eventual toxicological effects. Hence the need to reduce to zero this migration and to have accurate informationon the effects of nanoparticles to human health following chronic exposure is imperative. In this article, the latest innovations in food packaging, using improved, active and smart nanotechnology will be analyzed.

Nanomaterial, Morphology, Food packaging, Polymer