Insights into the antibacterial and antiviral mechanisms of metal oxide nanoparticles used in food packaging

Foodborne illnesses and food intoxications caused by bacterial and viral pathogens are severe global issues that require novel attempts to manage and consider food safety without deranging consumer preferences. Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have recently attracted attention as excellent antibacterial and antiviral biocides for active food packaging. Many studies have reported several MONPs with antibiotic activity. Incorporating MONPs with antibacterial and antiviral abilities into a polymer matrix creates a multi-germicidal packaging material for the control of infectious food pathogens. MONPs eliminate bacterial pathogens through multiple mechanisms, including interaction and damage to cell membranes, the release of cations, damage to biomolecules, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Similarly, they also exert intracellular and extracellular strategies to interfere with viral pathogens. To develop functional packaging materials with multi-germicidal activities, a clear understanding of the properties of materials, the factors influencing the manufacturing of the antibacterial ability of MONPs, and antibacterial mechanisms is required. This review provides a deeper understanding of mechanistic insights into how specific MONPs interact to control foodborne pathogens. Discussing the affinity of MONPs for bacterial and viral cellular components may lead to the discovery of new metal oxide combinations with improved bactericidal efficiency. Therefore, understanding these mechanisms will help develop new functional packaging materials with targeted antibacterial or antiviral activities.