Actual process is doping of edible coatings with nanomaterials to boost up their activity in preservation of foods.
There is a great concern in terms of safety in doing so. You would have to identify which mechanism is acting to prevent bacterial growth and consider if this mechanism have an impact on the consumer's health. For instance, are the particles going to be released from the matrix in the digestive track? This question is critical as nanoparticles can accumulate in the human body.
Lawrence, I guess everything is possible. It is only a matter to find someone who does not know that it is impossible.
But I agree with Richard - works on toxicity of nanomaterials are still in progress. I would not risk putting sth non-tested inside the food for people.
Care has to be taken regarding the toxicity of nanoparticles. Which nanoparticles you are interested? Ag nano particles can be added where edible oils can themselves encapsulate these particles. But be careful about he tolerance limit and toxicity level.
It is possible. But as all people pointed out about the safety and toxicity, really it is a big issue. For testing in vitro you can do it. But for real life application it must pass through approval of Government body. such as FDA or any etc. Still in country like India we do not have separate rule and regulation for nanomaterials. And as we can not treat them as bulk one. So after a long research Govt will come up with list and category of nanoparticles showing that till what level they are allowed or they are totally banned.
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