Biography
Biography: Maria Rubino
Abstract
Novel packaging materials, systems, and processes provide an opportunity to introduce innovative strategies that extend the shelf life of food products by improving food safety and quality, thus reducing food waste and cost. Novel systems may also minimize packaging materials while improving material functionality. One such innovative packaging strategy is the use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in polymer packaging. The addition of ENPs to polymeric materials can result in polymer nanocomposites with improved mechanical, physical, and barrier properties over the original polymers. As a result, less polymer can be used due to a unique synergism between the ENPs and the polymer matrix, and in some instances polymer nanocomposites with specific activities can be developed. Although the benefits of ENPs are significant, it is important to develop a basic understanding of the interactions between specific ENPs and the polymer matrix. With this knowledge it would be possible predict the coarsening, clustering, and migration of the ENPs in the physical and biological environments that the particles may be in contact with. In this section it will be discussed the application and safety of nanoparticles and nanocomposite systems as they applied to food packaging.
