Nanotechnology + Food

As someone who eats food on a regular basis, it is something that I think about. And as a student in a nanotechnology class, I think about nanotechnology as well. It only makes sense that the two thoughts should come together into a blog post. Does nanotechnology have any application in food? Of course, the answer is yes. There are a number of nanotechnology applications currently being used, and a number of ideas being developed for future use.

Clay nanocomposites are currently used in food packaging to create a barrier to gasses. This impermeable layer keeps oxygen and carbon dioxide in packaging such as bottles, cartons, and packaging films. Silver nanoparticles are used in plastic food storage bins. These nanoparticles kill bacteria that grows in the container and keeps it smelling clean. (Pictured below: clay nanocomposites)

These technologies are only the beginning of what is possible when nanotechnology is applied to food. Researchers at the Technische Universität München have been experimenting with carbon nanotubes as sensors. These sensors are created by spraying carbon nanotubes onto flexible plastic. These sensors would be inexpensive to create, and would be put inside the food packaging. They would be able to detect when the food has spoiled.

Nanosensors could also be used for point-of-packaging testing. These sensors would be able to detect bacteria and contaminants such as salmonella at the place the food is being processed. This would help keep food safer and lower the cost of operation by eliminating the need for samples being sent to a lab for expensive analysis. (Pictured below: nanosensor)

Researchers have been experimenting with zinc oxide nanoparticles as part of plastic packaging. These particles would block UV rays from entering the packaging, which would help prevent bacteria from growing inside. It would also add rigidity to the plastic. (Pictured below: zinc oxide nanoparticles)

So to review, the entire process of food packaging, from factory to fridge, will be smarter and safer in the near future.

Works Cited

Boysen, Earl. "Nanotechnology in Food." Nanotechnology in Food. Hawk's Perch Technical Writing, LLC, n.d. Web. <http://www.understandingnano.com/food.html>.

ElAmin, Ahmed. "Nano Sensor Slashes Pathogen Detection Time, Inventors Claim." FoodProductionDaily.com. Food Production Daily, 06 Dec. 2006. Web. <http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/ng.asp?n=72578-nano-pathogens-sensor>.

Espitia, Paula Judith Perez. "Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activity and Food P." Packaging Applications. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 22 Feb. 2012. Web. <http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11947-012-0797-6>.

Hay, J.N., and S.J. Shaw. "Clay-Based Nanocomposites." Clay-Based Nanocomposites. The Institute of Nanomaterials, 09 Oct. 2001. Web. <http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=936>.

Understanding Nano. "With Carbon Nanotubes, a Path to Flexible, Low-cost Sensors." With Carbon Nanotubes, a Path to Flexible, Low-cost Sensors. Understanding Nano, n.d. Web. <http://www.understandingnano.com/carbon-nanotube-gas-sensors.html>.