Interactions of carbon nanoparticles from packagings with components of food, drugs and biologically active molecules - a review

Nanomaterials are very important in the field of packaging of food, medicines and dietary supplements. Modern packagings often contain nanoparticles that provide them new feature - nanoparticles are used to activate mainly the packaging inner surface. Carbon occurs in several allotropic forms, such as diamond, graphite (including nanotubes and fullerenes), carbides, and nanocrystalline diamond which is produced in a process of radio frequency plasma activated chemical vapor deposition (RF PA CVD). Variety of allotropic forms of carbon results in different chemical and biological interactions between carbon nanoparticles and the polymer matrix material. Carbon nanopraticles can be used to activate the inner surface of packagings. There is a growing demand for food free of harmful chemicals such as chloramphenicol or toxic food colorings (metanil yellow, auramine, orange II or red aura). The use of nanotechnology in the food packaging sector opens up new possibilities for creating sensors to detect certain harmful analytes. These sensors are easy and quick to use. The basis of their actions is to understand the interactions between nanoparticles and chemicals. Nanoparticles can be utilized to create intelligent high performance packaging materials for contact with food, drugs and biologically active molecules, which will be safe for health of the consumers.