Nanoparticle release from nano-silver antimicrobial food containers
Yolanda Echegoyen1, Cristina Nerín
1I3A, Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Zaragoza, C/María de Luna 3, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain.
Summary
Silver nanoparticles in food packaging can migrate into food. This study quantified silver migration from nanosilver plastic containers, finding it below permissible limits but confirming nanoparticle presence and changes in size and morphology.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Polymer nanocomposites with metal/metal oxide nanoparticles enhance material properties.
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are utilized for their antimicrobial properties, particularly in food packaging.
- Concerns exist regarding the migration of nanoparticles from packaging into food.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify the migration of silver nanoparticles from commercial nanosilver plastic food containers into food simulants.
- To analyze the form (dissolved vs. nanoparticle) and characteristics (size, morphology) of migrated silver.
- To assess the safety of nanosilver plastic food containers concerning nanoparticle migration.
Main Methods:
- Migration studies were conducted using three commercial nanosilver plastic food containers with various simulant solutions and exposure times.
- Migration solutions were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for total silver quantification.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) was employed to characterize the size, morphology, and elemental composition of migrated silver species.
Main Results:
- Silver migration was detected in all tested nanosilver plastic food containers.
- Total silver migration values ranged from 1.66 to 31.46 ng/cm(2), remaining below established permissible limits.
- Migrated silver nanoparticles exhibited varying sizes (10-60 nm) and morphologies across different samples, and migration of other nanosized materials was also confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Nanosilver migration from plastic food containers into food simulants is a confirmed phenomenon.
- While observed migration levels are within regulatory limits, the presence and characteristics of migrated silver nanoparticles warrant further toxicological assessment.
- The study highlights the importance of analyzing both dissolved and particulate forms of migrated substances for a comprehensive safety evaluation.
