162 / 231
Brasil
PackTrends
2020
162
quality and new technologies
Applications of nanomaterials in oxygen absorbers
are commercially done by: NanoBioMatter, ColorMatrix,
Honeywell, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, Toyo Seikan
(SIRIUS oxygen-scavenger technology), Multisorb
Technologies Inc., among other companies.
The O2Block by NanoBioMatters is an oxygen
absorber additive which physicochemical treatment
allows it to be dispersed directly on various polymeric
systems (Figure 6.29). The technology is based on the
surface modification of a clay which becomes functional
with active iron to work as an oxygen absorber. Nanoclay
is used as the carrier of the active iron, which provides
synergy to the oxygen absorber system.
The companyHoneywell sells a family of nylon-based
barrier resins, called Aegis, based on nanotechnology, with
two oxygen absorbers grades: Aegis® OXCE for PET bottle
for beer and scented alcoholic beverages and Aegis® HFX
for PET bottles for hot filling, used for juices, teas and
condiments, like ketchup.
The incorporation of nanoparticles such as zinc
oxide and ionic silver in nanocomposites for packages
and coatings has antimicrobial action. The nanomaterials
have been the target of researches for the development
of packages with antimicrobial function, working directly
at the microbiological growth inhibition as bactericides,
such as ionic silver, or as antibiotics vehicles and other
agents that eliminates fungi and bacteria.
Titanium dioxide can be used as plastic packages
coating with action over fecal coliforms. It can also
be used combined with ionic silver. The chitosan,
a biopolymer derived from chitin (a polysaccharide
present on crustaceans carapace), also has antimicrobial
properties and can be used in active nanocomposites.
It is expected that the nanotechnology will cause
a big impact on the active packages field.
FIGURE 6.29
Oxygen absorber additive
for polymers
Source: Press Release
Active packages: oxygen absorbers and antimicrobials
Sensors include receptor and transducer
elements, which mean that they detect changes and
can work according to a command associated to the
intensity of the measured alteration. The indicators
represent a more passive form of nanotechnology
application, as they only communicate and inform over
visual alterations, especially color changes. Various
technological applications are results of sensors and
indicators combination.
Some examples are the sensors for detection of
pathogenic microorganisms, toxins and contaminants;
nanoparticles for selective remotion of pathogenics
and contaminants by specific adhesion; and active
antimicrobial agents such as metallic oxides (SCOTT;
CHEN, 2003). Bionanosensors use sensitive biological
materials such DNA, antibodies and enzymes,
associated to physical and chemical transducers,
which convert the biological signal into a processable
Smart packages: nanosensors and nanoindicators