Multifunctional antimicrobial nanocomposites for food packaging applications

Nanotechnologies have emerged to support advancements in production, packaging, and preservation of foods. One of the most important areas in the food sector where nanotechnology gained an innovative role is the food packaging industry. Multifunctional nanocomposites with desired properties can be tailored by combining reinforcement phases with antimicrobial agents into a polymer matrix. The relevance and the perspectives of active agents as metal nanoparticles, essential oils, or natural extracts in different matrices are discussed here deeply. In recent years, antimicrobial packaging has attracted a great deal of attention from the food packaging industry, while innovations in food packaging have also been focused on the incorporation of additives with the purpose of improving polymer characteristics, having a positive effect on food shelf life. The aim of this chapter is to put into evidence the evolution and potential of antimicrobial agent based multifunctional nanocomposites. Current research trends and recent advances will be presented and discussed.