State-of-the-art nanosensors and kits for the detection of antibiotic residues in milk and dairy products.

Antibiotic resistance is increasingly seen as a future concern, but antibiotics are still commonly used in animals, leading to their accumulation in humans through the food chain and posing health risks. The development of nanomaterials has opened up possibilities for creating new sensing strategies to detect antibiotic residues, resulting in the emergence of innovative nanobiosensors with different benefits like rapidity, simplicity, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision. Therefore, this comprehensive review provides pertinent and current insights into nanomaterials-based electrochemical/optical sensors for the detection of antibitic residues (ANBr) across milk and dairy products. Here, we first discuss the commonly used ANBs in real products, the significance of ANBr, and also their binding/biological properties. Then, we provide an overview of the role of using different nanomaterials on the development of advanced nanobiosensors like fluorescence-based, colorimetric, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, surface plasmon resonance, and several important electrochemical nanobiosensors relying on different kinds of electrodes. The enhancement of ANB electrochemical behavior for detection is also outlined, along with a concise overview of the utilization of (bio)recognition units. Ultimately, this paper offers a perspective on the future concepts of this research field and commercialized nanomaterial-based sensors to help upgrade the sensing techniques for ANBr in dairy products.

Enhanced carbohydrate-based plastic performance by incorporating cerium-based metal-organic framework for food packaging application.

The development of biodegradable active packaging films with hydrophobic characteristics is vital for extending the shelf life of food and reducing the reliance on petroleum-based plastics. In this study, novel hydrophobic cerium-based metal-organic framework (Ce-MOF) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. The Ce-MOF nanoparticles were then incorporated into the cassava starch matrix at varying concentrations (0.5 %, 1.5 %, 3 %, and 4 % w/w of total solid) to fabricate cassava-based active packaging films via the solution casting technique. The influence of Ce-MOF on the morphology, thermal attributes, and physicochemical properties of the cassava film was subsequently determined through further analyses. Biomedical analysis including antioxidant activity and the cellular morphology evaluation in the presence of the films was also conducted. The results demonstrated that the consistent dispersion of Ce-MOF nanofillers within the cassava matrix led to a significant enhancement in the film's crystallinity, thermal stability, antioxidant activity, biocompatibility, and hydrophobicity. The introduction of Ce-MOF also contributed to the film's reduced water solubility. Considering these outcomes, the developed cassava/Ce-MOF films undoubtedly have significant potential for active food packaging applications.

Starch-gelatin blend films: A promising approach for high-performance degradable food packaging.

Packaging plays a vital role in safeguarding food from environmental factors and contamination. However, the overuse and improper disposal of non-biodegradable plastic packaging materials have led to environmental concerns and health risks. To address these challenges, the development of degradable food packaging films is crucial. Biodegradable polymers, including natural biopolymers like starch (ST) and gelatin (GE), have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional plastics. This review focuses on the utilization of ST-GE blends as key components in composite films for food packaging applications. We discuss the limitations of pure ST-GE films and explore methods to enhance their properties through the addition of plasticizers, cross-linkers, and nanoparticles. The blending of ST-GE, facilitated by their good miscibility and cross-linking potential, is highlighted as a means to improve film performance. The review also examines the impact of various additives on the properties of ST-GE blend films and summarizes their application in food preservation. By providing a comprehensive overview of ST-GE hybrid systems, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and effective food packaging solutions.

Improving the functionality of biodegradable food packaging materials via porous nanomaterials.

Non-biodegradability and disposal problems are the major challenges associated with synthetic plastic packaging. This review article discusses a new generation of biodegradable active and smart packaging based on porous nanomaterials (PNMs), which maintains the quality and freshness of food products while meeting biodegradability requirements. PNMs have recently gained significant attention in the field of food packaging due to their large surface area, peculiar structures, functional flexibility, and thermal stability. We present for the first time the recently published literature on the incorporation of various PNMs into renewable materials to develop advanced, environmentally friendly, and high-quality packaging technology. Various emerging packaging technologies are discussed in this review, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, it provides general information about PNMs, their characterization, and fabrication methods. It also briefly describes the effects of different PNMs on the functionality of biopolymeric films. Furthermore, we examined how smart packaging loaded with PNMs can improve food shelf life and reduce food waste. The results indicate that PNMs play a critical role in improving the antimicrobial, thermal, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of natural packaging materials. These tailor-made materials can simultaneously extend the shelf life of food while reducing plastic usage and food waste.

Application of smart packaging for seafood: A comprehensive review.

Nowadays, due to the changes in lifestyle and great interest of consumers in a healthy life, people have started increasing their seafood consumption. But due to their short shelf life, experts are looking for a new packaging called smart packaging (SMP) for seafood. There are different indicators/sensors in SMP; one of the effective indices is time-temperature, which can show consumers the best time of using seafood based on their shelf life and experienced temperature. Another one is radio-frequency identification (RFID) that is a transmission device that represents a separate form of the electronic information-based SMP systems. RFID does not belong to any of the categories of markers or sensors; it is an auto recognition system that applies cordless sensors to indicate segments and collect real-time information without manual interposition. This review covers the use of SMP in all marine foods, including fish, due to its high consumption and high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3), which are the considerable factors of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for human.

The impact of essential oils on the qualitative properties, release profile, and stimuli-responsiveness of active food packaging nanocomposites.

Food industries attempt to introduce a new food packaging by blending essential oils (EOs) into the polymeric matrix as an active packaging, which has great ability to preserve the quality of food and increase its shelf life by releasing active compounds within storage. The main point in designing the active packaging is controlled-release of active substances for their enhanced activity. Biopolymers are functional substances, which suggest structural integrity to sense external stimuli like temperature, pH, or ionic strength. The controlled release of EOs from active packaging and their stimuli-responsive properties can be very important for practical applications of these novel biocomposites. EOs can affect the uniformity of the polymeric matrix and physical and structural characteristics of the composites, such as moisture content, solubility in water, water vapor transmission rate, elongation at break, and tensile strength. To measure the ingredients of EOs and their migration from food packaging, chromatographic methods can be used. A head-space-solid phase micro-extraction coupled to gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC-MS) technique is as a good process for evaluating the release of Eos. Therefore, the aims of this review were to evaluate the qualitative characteristics, release profile, and stimuli-responsiveness of active and smart food packaging nanocomposites loaded with essential oils and developing such multi-faceted packaging for advanced applications.

Recent progress in the application of plant-based colloidal drug delivery systems in the pharmaceutical sciences.

The potential for utilizing plant-derived components, such as plant proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and phospholipids, to create targeted drug delivery systems has been demonstrated in recent years. These colloidal delivery systems can encapsulate, protect, and release pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and nutraceuticals, thereby improving their bioavailability and efficacy. Moreover, they have the potential to reduce the side effects associated with some conventional drug formulations, while still achieving controlled or targeted delivery of pharmaceutical agents by various administration routes, including oral, nasal, dermal and inhalation. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of drugs can be modulated by altering the composition, dimensions, and structure of drug formulations created using plant-based colloidal delivery systems. The utilization of plant-derived ingredients may also reduce the environmental impact and improve the sustainability of drug formulations. Initially, we provide an overview of the general characteristics and requirements of drug delivery systems. The opportunities and challenges of using plant-derived components to fabricate colloidal particles for drug delivery applications is then discussed. Finally, potential clinical applications of plant-based delivery drug systems are reviewed.

Nano-enabled plant-based colloidal delivery systems for bioactive agents in foods: Design, formulation, and application.

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their dietary choices on the environment, animal welfare, and health, which is causing many of them to adopt more plant-based diets. For this reason, many sectors of the food industry are reformulating their products to contain more plant-based ingredients. This article describes recent research on the formation and application of nano-enabled colloidal delivery systems formulated from plant-based ingredients, such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and phospholipids. These delivery systems include nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoliposomes, nanophytosomes, and biopolymer nanoparticles. The composition, size, structure, and charge of the particles in these delivery systems can be manipulated to create novel or improved functionalities, such as improved robustness, higher optical clarity, controlled release, and increased bioavailability. There have been major advances in the design, assembly, and application of plant-based edible nanoparticles within the food industry over the past decade or so. As a result, there are now a wide range of different options available for creating delivery systems for specific applications. In the future, it will be important to establish whether these formulations can be produced using economically viable methods and provide the desired functionality in real-life applications.

A comprehensive review on the nanocomposites loaded with chitosan nanoparticles for food packaging.

Chitosan is mainly derived from seafood by-products and the thereof chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) are known as nontoxic, biocompatible, biodegradable and functionalized nanostructures. CNPs, as green fillers, showed an appropriate potential in reinforcement of various biodegradable composites for food packaging and biomedical applications. After evaluation of different fabrication approaches and characterization techniques of CNPs, the changes in physical, mechanical, thermal, structural, morphological, and antimicrobial attributes of nanobiocomposites as a result of CNPs addition are discussed. The influence of bioactive loaded-CNPs and hybrid CNPs with metal nanoparticles, graphene, and montmorillonite in nanocomposites is also presented. Finally, the safety aspects of CNPs-loaded structures are highlighted to evaluate their implementation in food packaging and biomedical systems. It can be concluded that regardless of a few drawbacks, CNPs are promising nanomaterials to improve various operational, structural and antimicrobial properties of biocomposites for various applications in food packaging, delivery systems and biomedical uses.

Recent Advances in the Development of Smart and Active Biodegradable Packaging Materials.

Interest in the development of smart and active biodegradable packaging materials is increasing as food manufacturers try to improve the sustainability and environmental impact of their products, while still maintaining their quality and safety. Active packaging materials contain components that enhance their functionality, such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, light blockers, or oxygen barriers. Smart packaging materials contain sensing components that provide an indication of changes in food attributes, such as alterations in their quality, maturity, or safety. For instance, a smart sensor may give a measurable color change in response to a deterioration in food quality. This article reviews recent advances in the development of active and smart biodegradable packaging materials in the food industry. Moreover, studies on the application of these packaging materials to monitor the freshness and safety of food products are reviewed, including dairy, meat, fish, fruit and vegetable products. Finally, the potential challenges associated with the application of these eco-friendly packaging materials in the food industry are discussed, as well as potential future directions.

Incorporation of silver nanoparticles into active antimicrobial nanocomposites: Release behavior, analyzing techniques, applications and safety issues.

Employing new strategies to develop novel composite systems has become a popular area of interest among researchers. Raising people's awareness and their attention to the health and safety issues are key parameters to achieve this purpose. One of the recommended strategies is the utilization of nanoparticles within the matrix of composite materials to improve their physical, mechanical, structural and antimicrobial characteristics. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have attracted much attention for nanocomposite applications mainly due to their antimicrobial characteristics. Herein, the current review will focus on the different methods for preparing antimicrobial nanocomposites loaded with Ag NPs, the release of Ag NPs from these nanostructures in different media, analyzing techniques for the evaluation of Ag release from nanocomposites, potential applications, and safety issues of nanocomposites containing Ag NPs. The applications of Ag NPs-loaded nanocomposites have been extensively established in food, biomedical, textile, environmental and pharmacological areas mainly due to their antibacterial attributes. Several precautions should be addressed before implementation of Ag NPs in nanocomposites due to the health and safety issues.

Bio-nanocomposites of graphene with biopolymers; fabrication, properties, and applications.

The unique properties of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites make them suitable for a wide range of medical, industrial, and agricultural applications. The addition of graphene or GO to a polymeric matrix can ameliorate its thermo-mechanical, electrical, and barrier characteristics. The present paper reviews the literature on graphene/GO-based bio-nanocomposites and examines the various fabrication methods, such as chemical vapor deposition, chemical synthesis, microwave synthesis, the solvothermal method, molecular beam epitaxy, and colloidal suspension. Each procedure potentially has its disadvantages, especially for mass production. Therefore, introducing an effective method for fabricating graphene on a large scale with high quality is essential. Recent studies have shown that graphene-based bio-nanocomposites are promising materials given their excellent performance in the development of biosensors, drug delivery systems, antimicrobials, modified electrodes, and energy storage systems among other applications. In this review, we evaluate the various procedures used for developing graphene/GO-based bio-nanocomposites and examine the features and applications of the related products. Furthermore, the toxicity of these compounds and attempts to uncover the optimal combinations of biopolymers and carbon nanomaterials for industrial applications will be discussed.

Electrochemical determination of T2 toxin by graphite/polyacrylonitrile nanofiber electrode.

Fabricating graphite electrode corrected with nanofiber by electrospinning as a considerable procedure for utilization in the fluid materials, milk, and syrup for detection of T2 mycotoxin is a significant technique. The modern biosensor was fabricated at normal degrees of room and utilized via buffer Britton-Robinson (B-R) in pH = 5 to refine the chemico-mechanical specifications. The electrochemical manner of the modified surface was surveyed using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SQWV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The corrected electrode displayed a linear reply to T2 toxin in two distinct concentration ranges of 30-100 nM with correlation coefficients of 0.99. The greatest signals in the square wave spectrums for the B-R buffer created on the uttermost signals of the obtained streams were pH = 5 and 0.5 M of KNO3 for T2 toxin. The modified electrode has a big signal, broad dynamic concentration and high sensitivity and selectivity.

Active packaging for Salmon stored at refrigerator with Polypropylene nanocomposites containing 4A zeolite, ZnO nanoparticles, and green tea extract.

In this study, three types of Polypropylene-based (PP) films (two active nanocomposites and one control film) containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), 4A zeolite (4A Z), and green tea extract (GTE) were studied as modern active packaging's that can adjust the release of antimicrobial agents. The influence of PP nanocomposite with 3% (w/w) ZnO NPs/4A Z/GTE (treatment 1) and 6% (w/w) ZnO NPs/4A Z/GTE (treatment 2) on controlling microbial growth and preserving the sensory and chemical qualities of Salmon over nine days of storage at 4 ± 1°C was evaluated. The disk diffusion test revealed inhibition zones in the range of 10.98 ± 0.03 to 13.42 ± 0.01 m for treatments 1 and 2, respectively; the nanocomposite film with 6% ZnO NPs/4A Z/GTE had the highest antimicrobial effect against Gram-negative bacteria (p < .05). Chemical analysis revealed that the initial peroxide value of Salmon was 0.68 ± 0.0 mEq/kg, which increased by day 9 to 12.3 ± 0.03 mEq/kg in the control sample, but rising only to 9.9 ± 0.01 and 7.3 ± 0.02 mEq/kg in treatments 1 and 2, respectively (p < .05). The shelf life of Salmon given treatment 2 increased significantly to nine days relative to the control. Accordingly, these nanocomposite films are promising as new active packaging for preventing microbial growth and preserving the quality of salmon.

Nanocomposite films consisting of functional nanoparticles (TiO2 and ZnO) embedded in 4A-Zeolite and mixed polymer matrices (gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol).

In this study, nanocomposite films with enhanced functional properties were prepared by loading titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles within 4A zeolite (4AZ) particles, and then incorporating these nanocomposites into a poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and gelatin matrix. The composition and morphology of the films were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The thermal behavior of the films was established using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). SEM showed the nanoparticles were dispersed throughout the films when used at these levels. FTIR indicated that the inorganic nanoparticles interacted with the PVA/gelatin polymer network through hydrogen bonding. XRD confirmed that the nanoparticles were in a crystalline state within the films. DSC and TGA showed that introduction of the nanoparticles modified the nanocomposite's thermal behavior. Nanoparticle addition had a number of effects: (i) it decreased film transparency from 78.7% to 69.4% 72.0% and 69.7%; (ii) it decreased film water vapor permeability (WVP) from 8.20 × 10-9 to 5.13 × 10-9, 5.71 × 10-9 and 5.24 × 10-9 g/Pa.h.m; (iii) it reduced film oxygen permeability from 4.57 to 3.29, 3.10 and 3.00 mEq/g; and (i) it increased film tensile strength (TS) from 14.6 to 22.0, 20.3 and 18.0 MPa, for PVA/gelatin films containing 0%, 1.5% ZnO, 1.5% TiO2 and 1% (ZnO + TiO2) nanoparticles, respectively (with the nanoparticles being trapped within 4AZ). Moreover, active nanocomposite films exhibited significant antimicrobial effects especially against gram-negative bacteria. Overall, our results show that nanoparticle-loaded PVA/gelatin nanocomposites may be useful as active biodegradable nanocomposite films for application in the packaging industry and that their properties can be modulated by controlling the nature and level of nanoparticles incorporated.

Carbon nanomaterials against pathogens; the antimicrobial activity of carbon nanotubes, graphene/graphene oxide, fullerenes, and their nanocomposites.

Recently, antibiotic resistance of pathogens has grown given the excessive and inappropriate usage of common antimicrobial agents. Hence, producing novel antimicrobial compounds is a necessity. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) such as carbon nanotubes, graphene/graphene oxide, and fullerenes, as an emerging class of novel materials, can exhibit a considerable antimicrobial activity, especially in the nanocomposite forms suitable for different fields including biomedical and food applications. These nanomaterials have attracted a great deal of interest due to their broad efficiency and novel features. The most important factor affecting the antimicrobial activity of CNMs is their size. Smaller particles with a higher surface to volume ratio can easily attach onto the microbial cells and affect their cell membrane integrity, metabolic procedures, and structural components. As these unique characteristics are found in CNMs, a wide range of possibilities have raised in terms of antimicrobial applications. This study aims to cover the antimicrobial activities of CNMs (both as individual forms and in nanocomposites) and comprehensively explain their mechanisms of action. The results of this review will present a broad perspective, summarizes the most remarkable findings, and provides an outlook regarding the antimicrobial properties of CNMs and their potential applications.

Kinetics Analysis and Susceptibility Coefficient of the Pathogenic Bacteria by Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

Purpose: The increase of bacterial resistance to common antibacterial agents is one of the major problems of health care systems and hospital infection control programs. In this study, antimicrobial activity of titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated against E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus pathogenic bacteria by determining sensitivity coefficient and kinetics of bacterial death. Methods: Antimicrobial tests were performed with ~106 CFU/mL of each bacterium at baseline. At first, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was concluded by the dilution method and then, death kinetic and susceptibility coefficient of NPs suspensions was determined at 0 to 360 min. treatment time. Results: The results of this study revealed that, the highest susceptibility was observed for L. monocytogenes (Z=0.025 mL/µg) to TiO2 NPs, whereas the lowest susceptibility was obtained in the reaction of ZnO NPs with S. enteritidis (Z=0.0033 mL/µg). The process of bacterial death in NPs suspension was assumed to follow first-degree kinetic and the survival ratio of bacteria decreased by the increase in treatment time. An increase in the concentration of NPs was seen to enhance the bactericidal action. Conclusion: Results showed that L. monocytogenes had higher sensitivity compared to S. enteritidis. The results of this study also demonstrated that TiO2 NPs have a strong antimicrobial effect in comparison with ZnO NPs and it could be employed to aid the control of pathogenic bacteria.

Polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin nanocomposite containing ZnO, TiO2 or ZnO/TiO2 nanoparticles doped on 4A zeolite: Microbial and sensory qualities of packaged white shrimp during refrigeration.

Recently, oxo-biodegradable polymers have attracted much attention due to taking less time to break down after disposal in comparison to ordinary polymers. Polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin (PVA/G) nanocomposite films, containing ZnO, TiO2 or ZnO/TiO2 nanoparticles supported on 4A zeolite (4A z), are novel active packaging that can control the release of antimicrobial compounds. The present study assessed the efficacy of PVA/G nanocomposite films with 1.5% (w/w) ZnO/4A z (treatment 1), 1.5% (w/w) TiO2/4A z (treatment 2), or 1% (w/w) ZnO, TiO2/4A z (treatment 3) in controlling the microbial load and maintaining the sensory qualities of white shrimp during storage at 4 ±â€¯1 °C. Firstly, the optimum concentration of each material for addition to the film was determined by micro-dilution and disc diffusion. Secondly, the specimens were checked for total viable count (TVC), as well as the counts of each of Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Shewanella putrefaciens, inoculated Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7. According to the results, the PVA/G nanocomposite films containing treatments 1-3 significantly decreased the number of bacteria in the treatment group in comparison to the control group (P < .05). The results of the antimicrobial activity of the three treatments by using the disc diffusion method revealed that the inhibition zone varied from 8.11 ±â€¯0.02 to 12.63 ±â€¯0.04 mm. Also it should be noted that, the finding of micro-dilution test varied from 1 ±â€¯0.01 to 3 ±â€¯0.01. The ZnO, TiO2/4A z nanocomposite had a significantly greater antimicrobial impact against Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria (P < .05). Finally, the microbiological and sensory investigation of the efficacy of the PVA/G nanocomposite films as active packaging materials revealed a considerable improvement in shrimp shelf life (12 days) in comparison to the control (6 days). Therefore, these nanocomposite films can be used as novel active packaging in the maintenance of the microbial load and sensory qualities of shrimp.

Preparation and characterization of functional sodium caseinate/guar gum/TiO2/cumin essential oil composite film.

Eco-friendly functional bionanocomposite films were prepared using sodium caseinate (SC) and guar gum (GG) as the polymer matrix and TiO2 and cumin essential oil (CEO) as functional fillers. 0.2 vol% GG selected for the preparation of SC/GG composite film and various amount of TiO2 and CEO (1 and 2 wt% based on SC) were incorporated into the SC/GG film either individually or in combination. The addition of TiO2 and CEO significantly improved the water permeability and sensitivity properties and mechanical characteristics such as the strength (TS), stiffness (YM), and flexibility (EB) of the composite films. Also, the SC/GG films incorporated with TiO2 and CEO exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (L. monocytogenes and S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli O157: H7 and S. enteritidis) bacteria. All the film properties were varied not only on the concentration of TiO2 and CEO, but also increased synergistically when they were added together.

Antimicrobial activity of Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide nanoparticles supported in 4A zeolite and evaluation the morphological characteristic.

In this study, the antimicrobial activity of titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and TiO2/ZnO nanoparticles supported into 4A zeolite (4A z) was assessed. Based on antimicrobial experiments, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) and disc diffusion test were determined after 24 h of contact with the prepared nanocomposites. These results are in agreements with the results of disc diffusion test. During the experiments, the numbers of viable bacterial cells of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 decreased significantly. The crystallinity and morphology of nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), elemental mapping at the microstructural level by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As a result, it was demonstrated that TiO2/ZnO nanoparticles supported in 4A zeolite could lead to an optimum activity as antimicrobial agents.