Prospects and application of nanobiotechnology in food preservation: molecular perspectives

Abstract

Applications of biotechnological tools in food preservation have shown promising results in minimizing food spoilage. Design and development of highly efficient food preservatives are one of the key success factors in this application field. However, due to the inherent shortcomings of the bulk forms of such preservatives, research was in progress to find suitable alternatives to replace conventional modalities. The intervention of nanotechnology has made this approach feasible in almost every aspect of food preservation. This interface domain of nanobiotechnology has been very well explored in the last few decades and vast literature has been reported. Researchers have developed efficient nanopreservatives (NPRs) for diverse applications. However, the literature available on nano-based food preservation is not inclusive of molecular perspectives involved in food preservation. There is a large knowledge gap in the interface domain concerning the physics of intermolecular and interfacial forces and nanotechnology which play decisive roles in designing edible coatings (ECs). There is an urgent need for identifying the nano and molecular level contributing factors for developing efficient NPRs. Moreover, it is imperative to understand the possible health impact of NPRs in public interest and concern. This review revisits the fundamental aspects of food preservation and navigates through the applicability, safety, molecular aspects and future direction of NPRs.

Keywords:

• Nanopreservatives
• nanoantibiotics
• multiple drug resistance
• coating adsorption
• intermolecular and interfacial forces
• postharvest physiology

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Center, The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, India.