An overview of the technology and application of nano and smart packaging in the shelf life of food

Nanotechnology deals with the production and use of materials with nanoscale dimensions in various fields of science. Due to their nanoscale dimensions, nanomaterials have a high surface-to-volume ratio, which gives them very unique and special properties compared to their macro components. Nanotechnology affects several aspects of the food industry, from how food is grown to how it is packaged. Companies are developing nanomaterials that make a difference in food taste and safety, health benefits, and packaging type and shelf life. Nano products for food packaging are currently being developed. Nanosensors in plastic packaging can detect gases released from food as it spoils and change the color of the packaging to warn you that the food has spoiled. Plastic films are being developed that allow food to stay fresher for longer. Packaging is an important part of the product, and a perfect packaging material must have good strength, barrier and performance characteristics. Nano-based packaging has several advantages over conventional packaging methods and offers better packaging materials with better strength and barrier. Nanotechnology offers tremendous opportunities for innovative developments in food packaging. The use of nanotechnology brings the benefits of improved performance in terms of barriers, mechanical and physicochemical properties of packaging, which leads to safe transportation of food and increased shelf life. However, more research needs to be done in this area as many applications are in their infancy. In addition, toxicology and migration studies should also be conducted extensively to ensure food safety.