CTC Nanotechnology GmbH, Merzig, Germany has manufactured and is now selling a
nanoscale dirt-repellent coating to create self-cleaning surfaces for use in food packages and
meat-processing plants. This concept is based on a sol-gel process in which nanoparticles are
suspended in a fluid medium. By the action of nanohydrophobisation, the absorbency of the
surfaces to be treated is eliminated so that they remain resistant to environmental factors after
cleaning, with the added advantage that this product is biodegradable and approved and certified
for use with food (Neethirajan and Jayas 2011).
Intelligent Packaging Concepts Based on Nanosensors
Nanosensors in intelligent packaging can be designed to indicate the freshness of food, reduce
spoilage by releasing preservatives and, based on the consumer’s preferences or needs, adjust the
sensory appeal and/or nutritional value by secreting colors, flavors or supplements. The use of
nanotechnology can, for example, modify the permeation behavior of foils, increase barrier
properties (mechanical, thermal, chemical, and microbial), improve mechanical and heatresistance
properties, develop active antimicrobic and antifungal surfaces, and sense as well as
signal microbiological and biochemical changes(Tiju and Morrison 2006; Neethirajan and Jayas
2011; Brody 2003; Chaudhry et al. 2008).