ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology-based food packaging materials are getting more attention these days due to more consumer awareness. Nano oxides are transparent, shiny oxide-based nanostructures with excellent antimicrobial properties. There are various oxides present on earth but titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and nano silica are the most commonly employed oxides to be introduced into polymer matrices for formulating packaging material. Nano oxides–based packaging is not only overcoming the limitations of conventional packaging material but it also provides additional benefits. The barrier action, tensile strength, thermal stability, optical parameters, and other properties of packaging material are improved by the inclusion of nano oxides in trace amount. Active packaging systems are also developed with nano oxides and effectively decrease the microbial load on food products. In this chapter, the formulating techniques of nano oxide–based nanocomposites are also discussed along with the different properties of formulated packaging materials. Regarding the toxicity and safety issues, the migration of nano oxides in food products and respective regulatory bodies are also mentioned in this chapter.
