NIT Andhra Pradesh team develops nanoparticles-based food packaging materials

NEW DELHI: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Andhra Pradesh’s researchers have developed nanoparticles-powered food packing materials in partnership with other institutes.

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A group of interdisciplinary researchers including Akriti Tirkey, Mizoram University and Punuri Jayasekhar Babu, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University led by Tingirikari Jagan Mohan Rao, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, NIT AP have published an article wherein they “have demonstrated how the concept of nanotechnology can be used to develop food packaging materials that enhance the shelf-life, maintain quality, retain flavor and color of packed food materials.”

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Nanoparticle-based materials offer more benefit over conventional and non-biodegradable packing materials by improving the functional properties of foods such as bio-availability, taste, texture, flavor, and shelf-life. Additionally, nanomaterials can work as sensors to maintain the temperature, and detect pathogens, pesticides, toxins, and other chemicals in packed foods, an official statement from NIT AP explained.

NIT AP research

Explaining the key features of this research, Rao said: “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.”

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Talking about the effects of Nanoparticles, 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.”

CSP Rao, director of NIT Andhra Pradesh has appreciated the work done by the faculty members and the researchers. He also motivated the scholars for such interdisciplinary based collaborative research work for emerging applications, an official statement said.

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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, the official statement further said.