A group of analysis scientists led by US Meals and Drug Administration chemist Timothy Duncan has discovered proof of silver nanoparticles embedded in packaging used as an antimicrobial agent seeping into the dry meals it’s meant to guard. Of their paper printed within the journal ACS Meals Science & Know-how, the group describes how they created their very own packaging with embedded silver nanoparticles and examined it with varied meals, and what they realized by doing so.
Silver has been a recognized antimicrobial agent for hundreds of years, but it surely has solely not too long ago been made into nanoparticle-sized grains to be used in meals packaging. Prior analysis has proven that when such packaging is used for liquid or gelatinous meals or drinks, the nanoparticles can simply seep into and permeate the meals. It’s nonetheless not recognized if such particles could cause hurt to individuals who eat them—testing continues to be ongoing, which is why they’re banned in lots of nations, together with the U.S. On this new effort, the analysis group needed to know if such particles additionally discover their approach into dry meals.
To search out out, the group created samples of silver nanoparticles and embedded them in polyethylene movie wraps, which might maintain varied kinds of meals gadgets. They examined wheat flour, slices of cheese, floor rice and spinach leaves. They then saved the packages in methods regular to customers’ houses.
The group then introduced the packages into their lab for testing with mass spectrometry. In so doing, they discovered that the nanoparticles had made their method to all of the meals, although to various levels. They discovered, for instance, that there was much more contamination of the cheese than there was with the spinach leaves. They famous that the extra floor contact between the meals and the packaging, the extra contamination. Additionally they famous that a lot of the contamination was confined to the floor of the meals, which meant that almost all of it might be simply rinsed away.
Extra info:
Laxmi Adhikari et al, Silver Migrates to Strong Meals and Abiotic Surfaces from Mannequin Plastic Packaging Containing Silver Nanoparticles, ACS Meals Science & Know-how (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00813
© 2025 Science X Community
Quotation:
Silver nanoparticles in packaging can contaminate dry meals, testing exhibits (2025, January 22)
retrieved 22 January 2025
from https://phys.org/information/2025-01-silver-nanoparticles-packaging-contaminate-dry.html
This doc is topic to copyright. Aside from any truthful dealing for the aim of personal research or analysis, no
half could also be reproduced with out the written permission. The content material is offered for info functions solely.
