Recent advancements in nanomaterials have significantly impacted various sectors, including medicine, energy, and manufacturing. Among these, organic/inorganic nanohybrids have emerged as transformative tools in the food industry. This review focuses on the innovative applications of these nanohybrids in food packaging, enzyme immobilization, and contamination detection. By combining organic and inorganic components, nanohybrids enable the customization of properties such as barrier performance, mechanical strength, and antimicrobial activity. Organic-inorganic nanohybrids offer promising solutions for the food industry, enhancing safety, quality, and processing efficiency. Examples include gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) used in biosensors for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens, graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets in advanced filtration membranes, and nanocellulose as a fat replacer in low-fat yogurt to improve texture and taste. Quantum dots (QDs) also aid in food traceability by detecting product authenticity. While these technologies showcase transformative potential, challenges like scalability, regulatory compliance, environmental impact, and potential toxicity must be addressed to ensure safe and sustainable adoption. However, to fully harness their benefits, it is crucial to thoroughly assess their toxicological profiles to mitigate potential adverse health effects. This necessitates comprehensive studies on their interactions with biological systems, dose-response relationships, and long-term impacts. Establishing standardized safety protocols and regulatory guidelines is essential to ensure that the utilization of these nanomaterials does not compromise human health while maximizing their advantages.
Keywords: Chitosan; Copper oxide; Food packaging; Gold; Nanocellulose; Nanohybrids; Silver; Starch nanoparticles.
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