Application of Nanotechnology in Food technology

Nano food: food cultivated, produced, processed or packaged using nanotechnology or in which manufactured nanomaterials have been added

 Food Processing
Nanocapsules to improve bioavailability of nutraceuticals in standard ingredients (e.g. cooking oils) Nanocapsulated flavour enhancers Nanotubes and nanoparticles as gelation and viscosifying agents Nanocapsule infusion of plant based steroids to replace a meat's cholesterol Nanoparticles to selectively bind and remove chemicals or pathogens from food

 Food Packaging
Fluorescent nanoparticles with Antibodies to detect chemicals or foodborne pathogens Biodegradable nanosensors for temperature, moisture and time monitoring Nanoclays and nanofilms as barrier materials to prevent spoilage and oxygen absorption Antimicrobial and antifungal surface coatings with nanoparticles Lighter, stronger and more heat-resistant films with silicate nanoparticles

 Nano supplements
Nanosize powders to increase absorption of nutrients Coiled nanoparticles to deliver nutrients more efficiently to cells without affecting colour or taste of food Vitamin sprays dispersing active molecules into nanodroplets for better absorption
NovaSol 30nm micelles to encapsulate active ingredients such as Vitamins C and E and fatty acids as preservatives and aids Nestl and Unilever -a nanoemulsion based ice cream with a lower fat content that retains a fatty texture and flavour (Renton 2006). Edible nanofilms

Application of Nanotechnology in Agriculture

 Precision farming :
Precision farming makes use of computers, global satellite positioning systems, and remote sensing devices to measure highly localised environmental conditions thus determining whether crops are growing at maximum efficiency or precisely identifying the nature and location of problems. One of the major roles for nanotechnology-enabled devices will be the increased use of autonomous sensors linked into a GPS system for real-time monitoring.

Smart delivery system: (intelligent nano fertilizer)

To detect plant health and deliver pesticide or nutrient of nanorange that can be easily absorbed by the plants

Storage of grains : Pest Targeting

 Smart delivery system

Need to understand the interactions between plant-soil components and processes controlling soil N cycling Such understanding may help manipulate soil-plant-fertilizer systems to achieve synchronization

Some successful ventures of nanotechnology in agriculture

Product
Nanocides

Application
Pesticides encapsulated in nanoparticles for controlled release Nanoemulsions for greater efficiency

Institution* BASF Syngenta Kyoto Univ, Japan Clemson Univ.

Bucky ball fertilizer Nanoparticles

Ammonia from buckyballs Adhesion-specific nanoparticles for removal of Campylobacter jejuni from poultry Airtight plastic packaging with silicate nanoparticles Nanofibres from cotton waste for improved strength of clothing Detection of contamination of packaged food Pathogen detection

Food packaging Use of agricultural waste Nano-sensors

Bayer Cornell univ Nestle, Kraft Cornell Univ USDA

Precision agriculture

Nanosensors linked to GPS for real-time monitoring of soil conditions and crop growth

Application of Nanotechnology in Environment

Energy- and material efficiency Sensors to detect pollutants Water treatment Soil/ groundwater remediation

Energy
Less energy consumption during production Better energy efficiency of
Fuels (catalysts) Batteries Hydrogen storage Solar cells

Nano-catalysts may work at lower temperatures Nano-coatings may reduce friction (e.g. ships)

Water treatment
Pesticide filter made up of silver Carbon Nanotubes
Very strong adsorption properties. Herbicides, pesticides, chlorinated solvents can be adsorbed on nanocarbon

Removal of metal ions

Nanorust to remove arsenic Magnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide suspended in water bind arsenic, which is then removed with a magnet

 Destruction of pollutants
Titanium dioxide, TiO2 nanoparticles can be used to remove pollutants Ground water remNanoscale zerovalent iron (nanoiron or NZVI) nanocatalysts (e.g., Au/Pd bimetallic nanoparticles Nanosized sorbents Magnetic nanoparticles

 Ground water remediation

Remediation of groundwater pollution with nano iron (nano Zero valent iron (nZVI))

 Nanocomposites: Modifications to existing materials with nanoparticles

Desalination membrane: nanofiltration Atifouling membranes : membrane with TiO2
TiO2 produce hydroxylradical in presence of light which in turn oxidize organic foulants deposited on the membrane surface