Prospect of nanotechnology in food and edible packaging: A review

Abstract

Nanotechnology represents an efficient and important tool for increasing the shelf life of food. Reducing the size of Nanometric scale gives material distinct and improves the properties when compared to a larger system. Edible coatings are usually prepared with the help of natural polymers that are non-toxic, economical and readily available. The new tendencies are to use edible coating as carries of functional ingredient by incorporating antimicrobial, ant browning, and nutraceutical agent to improve the quality of fruits and vegetables. In recent research, it has been found that nanotechnology can bring revolutionary changes in various department of food, post harvesting management, food storage and packaging, bio sensor, medicine, nutrient and nutraceutical delivery, ingredients and additives, and also bioprocessing of food.