ABSTRACT
Food-grade nanostructured materials are extensively used with several approaches for improved food properties in terms of quality and health benefits. The food-grade nanostructured materials generally include inorganic and organic materials, where the use of organic nanomaterials, such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and others, has been increased for their bio-based resources. Food-grade nanostructured materials may offer improved food properties in terms of texture, color, flavor, nutrient contents, rheology, and others, which have to be critically monitored. The nanostructured materials are also used to develop packaging materials, in both primary and secondary packaging, for tailored properties with reduced waste. However, the food safety is measured in terms of migration properties, toxicological behavior of nanoparticle between package and food materials, as food safety is a major concern in protecting the packaged products throughout the life cycle. Among available, polysaccharide-based nanostructured materials, such as nanocellulose, nanochitosan, nanostarch, etc., are extensively used materials for tuned food properties. Considering the fact, this chapter focuses on bio-based nanostructured materials for various prospects in food application with added valuable properties of biodegradability, nontoxicity, biocompatibility, etc., which make them a potential candidate to be used in food-based applications. Further, the nanostructured materials are widely 112used as encapsulating agents, delivery of bioactive compounds, and provide protection in retaining bioactive agents. The modification in the available bio-based nanostructured materials can provide additional benefits over others. However, the food-grade nanoparticles can also have adverse effects on human health if consumed above the permissible limits, thus food safety of the available nanostructured materials is a critical concern to be considered for food application. In this chapter, the various rules and regulations available for the safe use of the addressed nanoparticle in relation to migration, toxicology of nanoparticles into food, etc., in relation to food and their packaging materials, will also be discussed.
