Sci-fi food storage paper fights bacteria

It sounds futuristic, but scientists from Israel and Russia claim they have successfully developed a paper coated with nanoparticles that can add safe shelf-life to your food.

Lab researchers covered the paper with silver nanoparticles using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM), and thermogravimetry (TGA) measurements.

These nanoparticles have a longer-lasting effect than larger silver particles.

Antibacterial tests carried out on the coated paper stored at room temperature for over 6 months under ambient light conditions showed it was unaffected by the prolonged storage period.

The coated paper showed highly efficient antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, suggesting potential application in food preservation and prevention of cross contamination, the author noted.

Nanoparticles could help overcome the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Bacteria often develop the ability to shrug-off existing antibiotics.

Scientists say right now don't expect to see this breakthrough just yet, producing the paper for large scale commercial use would not be easy presently.

Stephen Lau and editing by Aimee keenan-Greene