Active graphene based food packaging system for modern society
Packaging for perishable foodstuffs such as meat and cheese must be impermeable to liquids, gasses and light, must not promote the development of microorganisms and should ideally be recyclable.
Technology
The present invention presents an active packaging for perishable foods at the prototype level. The packaging consists of a composite material based on paper or polylactic acid modified with graphene oxide and silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The surface of the packaging is activated with probiotics. The function of graphene oxide is to prevent the permeability of the base material for gasses and liquids. In addition to titanium dioxide, graphene oxide also absorbs visible and ultraviolet light. Silver nanoparticles are attributed a biocidal role. All three additives are located within the base material and do not come into direct contact with the food. On the surface, in direct contact with the food, there is a probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum) which inhibits or prevents the development of pathogenic microorganisms. After use, titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles can be recycled and reused by heat treatment.
Main advantages
- Reduction in the number of pathogen infections (e.g. salmonella)
- Cost reduction by processing unsold sensitive food
- Reducing the amount of foood waste and consequently lowering the cost of processing it
Fields of use: Advanced materials, Packaging, Food industry
Technology Readiness Level: TRL4
Intellectual property: Patent pending
Partner sought: R&D collaboration to further develop the technology in an industrial environment, licensing or sell of IP rights.
Next steps needed: Partner search for further development
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