Todays,
nanotechnology finds potential applications in food industry by modifying or
changing biological molecules toward different characteristics that are unlike
from natural ones. Researchers deal with nanomaterials which will affects not
only taste of food but also food safety, food delivering etc. Food can be
called as “nanofood” when
nanoparticles and nanotechnology techniques are used during breeding,
production, processing or packaging of the food. The importance of
nanotechnology in food ındustry make sense due to some difficulties to reach
high quality nutrients and drinking water especially in third world
countries.
Some
examples of nanotechnology applications from agriculture to packaging of foods are
listed below:
Agriculture
·
Nanocapsules
for delivery of pesticides, fertilizers and other agrichemicals more
efficiently
·
Controlled
delivery of growth hormones
·
Nanosensors
to control soil conditions and crop growth
·
Nanosensors
for detection of animals and plant pathogens
·
To
transfer vaccines, nanocapsules
·
To
deliver DNA to plants (Targeted Genetic Engineering), Nanoparticles
Food Processing
·
Nanocapsules
to enhance bioavailability of nutraceuticals in standard ingredients
·
Nanoencapsulated flavor enhancers
·
As
gelation and viscosifying agents; nanotubes and nanoparticles
·
To
remove chemicals or pathogens from food; nanoparticles
·
Nanoemulsions and particles for better availability and dispersion of nutrients
Food Packaging
·
Fluorescent nanoparticles are used to attach antibodies which shows chemicals and foodborne
pathogens
·
Biodegradable nanosensors to monitor temperature, moisture and time
·
Nanoclays and nanofilms can be used as a barrier materials which absorbs oxygen and prevent
spoilage
·
Electrochemical nanosensors to detect ethylene
·
Antibacterial
nanoparticles such as silver, magnesium and zinc to obtain antimicrobial
and antifungal surface
·
Silicate nanoparticles to obtain lighter, stronger and heat resistant packaging films
Supplements
·
Cellulose nanocrystal composites as drug carrier
·
Nanochoclates
to transport nutrients more efficiently to cells without changing color or
taste of food
http://nanografi.com/blog/nanotechnology-in-food-industry/
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