Bimetallic and Trimetallic Nanoparticles for Active Food Packaging Applications: A Review

Nanotechnology is poised to have a huge impact on food packaging applications. Bimetallic and trimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) are formed by combining two and three different metals and metal oxides, respectively. Compared with monometallic NPs, bimetallic and trimetallic NPs have attracted immense attention because of their diverse shape, size, high surface-to-volume ratios, chemical/physical stability, activity, and greater degree of selectivity, with respect to both technological and scientific view. Metal and metal oxide NPs proved to be highly potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, together with nanobiosensors for tracing and monitoring the condition of food. These nanostructured materials embedded with both biodegradable and non-degradable polymer to increase mechanical strength and barrier properties to extend the shelf life of various foods. In addition, polymer nanocomposites are treated with essential oils (EOs) to improve their performance in food packaging. In this review, we summarized most recent innovations in food packaging, merits, and demerits of biodegradable and non-degradable polymer used for food packaging. It also provides the different synthetic methods, importance of bimetallic and trimetallic NPs in relation to food packaging to enhance the shelf life of food. Finally, mode of action, toxicity, regulation, and legislation for safety in human consumption and the environment are also discussed.