Silver has been a key component in the preservation of food stuff. From meat-wrapping paper, to plastic films. Preservation of food is essentially killing off of the undesirable bacteria that would otherwise degrade the food quality.

Now innovators have come up with the idea of extending this logic to the preservation milk. Silver nanoparticles will be mixed into the bottles carrying the milk to be stored. What will make this antibacterial effect stronger, is the presence of silica ceramic particles in the polythene material. The milk would be fresh and safe to drink for up to 15 days after storing in these bottles!

The process of manufacturing starts with the mixing of silver nanoparticles and silica, and then progresses to their conversion into powder form. This power is mixed into the plastic by using blow or injection moulding. The plastic is used to make the milk carriers which can be bottles or even milk bags, though the expiry times vary. The bottles sustain product for about 15 days, while milk bags keep the milk edible for 4-10 days.

There is a prevailing concern of health issue about the repercussion of incidental mixing of silver nanoparticles in the milk. Agrindus and, partner company Nanox have assured that the nanoparticles will stay in the polythene only.

Author:Technology Blog