Nanotechnology for Mitigating Biological Cross-Contamination in Meat Processing

Abstract

Foodborne contamination remains a significant challenge in the meat industry, with biological cross-contamination threatening public health and product quality. Conventional preservation methods, such as chemical sanitizers, often suffer from limitations like toxic residues, volatilization, and the rise of microbial resistance. In this context, nanotechnology emerges as a transformative approach, leveraging the unique properties of nanomaterials, such as silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, copper, and silica nanoparticles, carbon quantum dots, and nanocellulose, to enhance antimicrobial potency, antioxidant activity, and shelf-life extension. This review critically examines nanoencapsulation systems as a key innovation, enabling the stabilization and controlled release of bioactive compounds like essential oils (e.g., carvacrol, thymol, eugenol) and flavonoids (e.g., naringenin). These systems not only prolong antimicrobial efficacy but also preserve sensory and nutritional attributes, aligning with consumer preferences for natural, safer, and minimally processed foods. Furthermore, the integration of nanomaterials into smart packaging and surface coatings demonstrates promise in real-time contamination monitoring and pathogen suppression. However, scaling these technologies necessitates rigorous toxicological evaluations to address potential nanoparticle migration and environmental impacts. By synthesizing recent advancements, this review underscores nanotechnology's potential to redefine meat preservation paradigms while advocating for standardized regulatory frameworks to ensure safe, sustainable implementation.