Nanotechnology and Food Packaging

This week I read about possibilities of the use of nanotechnology in food packaging. Due to restrictions and regulations in the food industry, the use of nanotechnology is slow and limited. But the more I read about nanotechnology, the more I agree that it could change the food industry drastically. 

Food packaging right now is mainly in film made with flexible plastics, but over time oxygen could still go through the film and damage the food. Nanotechnology coating can be used in this case, to help create impermeable layers to protect the food. 

     Film plastic used to protect food. 

But more than just keeping the food fresh and making them last as long as possible, another possible use researchers are talking about is the use of “smart” packaging. The nanoparticles inside food packaging could potentially help control the environment inside food package, and alert consumers when the food is not safe to consume anymore. 

This made me think about a new use for nanoparticles in food packaging. We are used to storing all kinds of food in locked plastic boxes. What if the plastic food containers for food storage can be manufactured with nano particles within, and could indicate if the food has gone bad, or is going bad. Maybe the food container could change color to alert consumers. Even better, if the nanoparticles can be programed or made to detect different kinds of food, whether it’s cheese, fish, meat, and in order calculate longevity of edible time then users can feel safer. 

In the example below, researchers form the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Modular Solid State Technologies in Munich developed an inexpensive plastic film that will change color when the food is rotten. I believe this could be incorporated with food storage boxes. 

Plastic film that changes color when food has gone bad.  

      Food storage boxes. 

Citations: 

"In the Know...on Food Packaging." Nanotechnology in the Food Packaging Industry. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

Ortiz, Christina. "Wait, There's Nanotech in My Food?" Popular Mechanics. N.p., 19 Feb. 2014. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

Soutter, Will. "Nanotechnology in Food Packaging." AZoNano.com. N.p., 02 July 2012. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

"EU Project Applies Nanotechnology to Food Packaging." EU Project Applies Nanotechnology to Food Packaging. N.p., 11 June 2015. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

COXWORTH, BEN. "Inexpensive Plastic Developed That Indicates Freshness of Food." Inexpensive Plastic Developed That Indicates Freshness of Food. N.p., 14 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.