S. Vishnu Sharma
NIT AP researchers have demonstrated how the concept of nanotechnology can be used to develop food packaging materials that enhance the shelf-life, maintain quality, retain flavour and colour of packaged food materials.
Nanoparticle based materials offer greater advantage over conventional and non-biodegradable packaging materials by enhancing the functional properties of food such as bio-availability, taste, and enhancing the shelf-life, say NIT AP researchers.
NIT AP researchers
A group of interdisciplinary researchers led by Dr. Tingirikari Jagan Mohan Rao, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, NIT Andhra Pradesh, have published an article in the prestigious peer-reviewed ‘Journal of European Food research and Technology.’
Article
The article was co-authored by research scholar Ms. Akriti Tirkey, Ph.D., Mizoram University, along with Dr. Punuri Jayasekhar Babu, Assistant Professor, Biomaterials and Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is an emerging area of research as its application is growing day by day in various sectors including food and agriculture due to their wide physical, chemical and biological properties which are functionalized with several biomolecules to enhance the properties of packing and storage materials.
The applications of nanotechnology at the global level are estimated to be around US$ 3 Trillion. Nanoparticle-based materials offer a greater advantage over conventional and non-biodegradable packing materials by enhancing the functional properties of foods such as bio-availability, taste, texture, flavor, and shelf-life.
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Additionally, nanomaterials in the form of sensors can be employed to maintain the temperature, detect pathogens, pesticides, toxins, and other chemicals in packed foods.
Key aspects
Dr. Tingirikari Jagan Mohan Rao spoke about key aspects of the work by NIT AP researchers.
The research emphasizes the role of nanoparticles to provide mechanical stability to packing material and shows how the nano-sensors can be developed to detect pathogens, contamination, pesticides and allergens and enhances the antimicrobial properties of packing material to prevent food spoilage and contamination, he said speaking about the work of NIT AP researchers.
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Speaking further about the work by NIT AP researchers Professor Jagan Mohan Rao said In addition to this, the role of inorganic nanoparticles in food preservation is to increase shelf-life and release of antioxidants protecting the food from harmful ultraviolet radiations.
The work of NIT AP researchers also discusses the food safety aspects related to nanomaterials and follows eco–friendly practices such as proper labeling on the food items, following safety regulation for disposal, to perform cytotoxic studies on humans and animals, he said.
Professor CSP Rao
Director of NIT Andhra Pradesh appreciated the work done by NIT AP researchers. He also encouraged the staff for such inter disciplinary based collaborative research work for emerging applications.
Recent work
Speaking about his recent work, Dr. Punuri Jayasekhar Babu, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University, said very less amount of work has been done to evaluate the toxic effects of nanoparticles on mammalian cells under in-vivo conditions.
Inorganic nanoparticles are insoluble and pose a great challenge of bioaccumulation in human cells which may cause biotoxicity on a longer run, thus, hampering its use in the food processing industry, he said.
Effects of nanoparticles
Dr. Jayasekhar Babu said it is worthwhile to note that the nanoparticles used for the packing materials may migrate into food when it comes in contact with packaging materials and hence, the impact of inorganic nanoparticles should be studied. Also, nanomaterials especially Nano packaging should be only permitted after rigorous testing before applying them to food systems, he said.
Agencies
The work by NIT AP researchers also discusses the role of various government agencies in addressing the safety issues, bringing the legislation and regulations on the use and application of nanomaterials.
Work of NIT AP researchers highlights how bio-based polymers can be blended with nanoparticles to make more efficient and effective packing materials.
NIT AP researchers explained how confidence can be built among the consumers by maintaining transparency in evaluating the effects of nanoparticles on humans and the surrounding environment and accentuated how researchers and industries should develop products that can easily get public acceptance.
If the safety and security issues get addressed, nanotechnology will revolutionize the food processing and packaging industry to a great extent and minimize food wastage, say NIT AP researchers.
