Application of silver nanoparticles in food packages: a review

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are antimicrobial agents that have a wide spectrum of action, including against pathogenic bacteria and spoilage fungi. However, their mechanism of action is not completely clarified. Nowadays, scientific interest on biological synthesis of AgNPs is growing, with emphasis in their extracellular biosynthesis by microbial cells, as it is the most reliable and ecologically correct method for production, yielding no toxic residues. AgNPs may be incorporated to biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers for the production of food packages with antimicrobial properties, leading to greater safety and longer shelf life. However, it is important to carry out migration tests for new food packages incorporated with AgNPs, based on the effective levels for their inclusion in the packaging materials.

摘要 银纳米颗粒（silver nanoparticles，AgNPs）是一类具有广谱抗菌活性的抗菌剂，可对病原菌与腐败真菌发挥抑制作用。但其具体作用机制尚未完全阐明。当前，科研界对银纳米颗粒生物合成的研究热度持续攀升，其中尤以微生物细胞介导的细胞外生物合成方向为研究重点：该方法是目前最为可靠且生态友好的银纳米颗粒制备手段，制备过程不会产生有毒残留。银纳米颗粒可掺入可降解与不可降解聚合物中，用于制备具备抗菌性能的食品包装，从而提升食品安全性并延长货架期。但需注意，需基于银纳米颗粒在包装材料中的有效添加量，对这类添加了AgNPs的新型食品包装开展迁移试验。