Effects of Nanocomposite Based Nano-Silver and Nano-Titanium Dioxideon Food Packaging Materials
Amal M. Metak

Abstract
Commercial antimicrobial nano-silver food packaging containers were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The presence of nanoparticles consistent with the incorporation of 1% nano-silver (Ag) and 0.1% titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles into polymeric materials formed into food containers was confirmed. Both nano-materials used in this type of packaging appear to be embedded in a layered configuration within the bulk polymer. The dimensions of the incorporated nanoparticles were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and were determined by calculation using the Scherrer Formula; these were consistent with Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles in the size range of 20-70 nm, both were of spherical shape nanoparticles. Migration assessments were performed in a wide range of food matrices to determine the migration of nanoparticles from the packages. The analysis was based upon the relevant European Safety Directives and involved the application of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to identify the range of migration risk. The data pertain to insignificance levels of Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles and the results confirmed the antimicrobial activity of Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles in food packaging containers.

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