NANOTECNOLOGÍA EN LA INDUSTRIA ALIMENTARIA: BIONANOCOMPUESTOS EN EMPAQUES DE ALIMENTICIOS

Abstract

Most food industries use non-biodegradable packaging; and the application of bionanocompounds promises to expand the use of edible and biodegradable coating or covers for use in food products. The biopolymer or biodegradable plastics must maintain appropriate conditions of moisture, temperature and oxygen availability, without leaving any toxic residue. The biopolymers are classified into natural polymers and by microbial fermentation because of their prime material and fabrication. The bionanocompounds can be nanofillings based on cellulose, carbon nanotubes, nanoclays and functional nanofillings. These new technologies lead to ethical responsibility, where the covers do not cause harm to the environment and to consumers’ health. Based on this, a revision of the main characteristics of bionanocompounds in food packaging is presented.