Nanoparticles are not only about edible coatings, however. Since some of them are powerful antimicrobials, they can be added to regular plastic packaging to extend shelf life of fruits, vegetables or leafy greens. What"s more, they can be used in sensors that could inform retailers or customers that the food is no longer safe to eat, which could help avoid premature trips to the bin. Researchers from Canada’s McMaster University, for example, developed patches that could be applied on produce packaging to predict spoilage.