Bio-mediated Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Packaging Applications

Change in lifestyle of humans in this present generation with huge dependence on packaging materials has encouraged several studies on development of new variety of packaging materials. Emphasis on replacement of existing non-biodegradable packaging materials with biodegradable materials paved the way for the use of biopolymers. Lack of properties, such as thermal stability and mechanical strength in biopolymers led to the development of bio-polymer nano-composites by adding metal/metal oxide nanoparticles as fillers into the biopolymers. Metal/metal oxide nano-particles improve mechanical/tensile strength, thermal stability as well as antimicrobial properties of the binding and receiving polymer matrix. Bio-mediated synthesis of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles result to development of novel packaging materials at a low cost and without releasing hazardous wastes into the environments. Novel packaging materials with metal/metal oxide nanoparticles as additives are capable of increasing the shelf life of food stuffs, in certain cases they act as indicators of quality food inside the package. Summarily, this present chapter focuses on bio-mediated synthesis of various metal/metal oxide nano-particles and their applications in food packaging.