Nanobiotechnology perspectives. Role of nanotechnology in the food industry: a review

Nanotechnology is becoming increasingly important for the food sector. Promising results and applications are already being developed in the areas of nutrient delivery systems through bioactive nanoencapsulation, biosensors to detect and quantify pathogens organic compounds, other chemicals and food composition alteration, and even edible film to preserve fruit or vegetables. This article reviews the application and the benefits of nanotechnology in different areas of food industry that include bioactive nanoencapsulation, edible thin film, packages and nanosensors. It is possible to conclude from the review that the nanotechnology advances increase the safety and quality of food and mainly decrease the time for pathogen detection.     

The applications of nanotechnology in food industry

Nanotechnology has the potential of application in the food industry and processing as new tools for pathogen detection, disease treatment delivery systems, food packaging, and delivery of bioactive compounds to target sites. The application of nanotechnology in food systems will provide new methods to improve safety and the nutritional value of food products. This article will review the current advances of applications of nanotechnology in food science and technology. Also, it describes new current food laws for nanofood and novel articles in the field of risk assessment of using nanotechnology in the food industry.     

Integration of nisin into nanoparticles for application in foods

Nisin and other similar food preservatives of natural origins have seen a substantial upsurge in global interest in recent years. The use of nanotechnology to regulate and manipulate nisin for enhanced capacities in the food and nutrition sector is expanding dramatically. Nanotechnology has significant food science applications in nanoparticle delivery systems, packaging, food security, and safety. However, there have been considerable issues regarding the use of nisin in the food sector, including its uncontrolled interactions with various food components, its degradation and electrostatic repulsion. These issues potentially limit its use. Alternate strategies, including a variety of nanoparticle systems such as nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, nanofibers, and combinations of nisin with other technologies, are employed to enhance the utility of nisin in the food industry. This review highlights the recent developments and new perspectives related to the uses of nisin in the food industry.Industrial relevanceThis review highlights the current status of nanotechnology in the food industry. The issues concerning use of nisin by the food industry are addressed. Nisin shows enhanced efficacy in combination with other current technologies for improved food safety.     

Recent developments in nanotechnology transforming the agricultural sector: a transition replete with opportunities

The applications and benefits of nanotechnology in the agricultural sector have attracted considerable attention, particularly in the invention of unique nanopesticides and nanofertilisers. The contemporary developments in nanotechnology are acknowledged and the most significant opportunities awaiting the agriculture sector from the recent scientific and technical literature are addressed. This review discusses the significance of recent trends in nanomaterial‐based sensors available for the sustainable management of agricultural soil, as well as the role of nanotechnology in detection and protection against plant pathogens, and for food quality and safety. Novel nanosensors have been reported for primary applications in improving crop practices, food quality, and packaging methods, thus will change the agricultural sector for potentially better and healthier food products. Nanotechnology is well‐known to play a significant role in the effective management of phytopathogens, nutrient utilisation, controlled release of pesticides, and fertilisers. Research and scientific gaps to be overcome and fundamental questions have been addressed to fuel active development and application of nanotechnology. Together, nanoscience, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology offer a plethora of opportunities, proving a viable alternative in the agriculture and food processing sector, by providing a novel and advanced solutions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Functional Materials in Food Nanotechnology

The Institute of Food Technologists has issued this Scientific Status Summary to update readers on the applications of nanotechnology in the food industry.     

Big issues for a small technology: Consumer trade-offs in acceptance of nanotechnology in food

Nanotechnology offers many potential applications across the supply chain which could result in a more sustainable agriculture and food system. However, considerable challenges still exist in realising its potential, including consumer acceptance. This research examines consumer perspectives on two different nanotechnology applications (in packaging for chicken fillets and in cheese) using conjoint analysis. A face-to-face survey of 1046 Irish adults was undertaken. It finds that technology has a significant impact on consumer food choices (higher levels of acceptance with traditional technology rather than nanotechnology), that different applications of a technology can result in varying levels of acceptance (higher acceptance for nanotechnology in packaging of chicken fillets rather than in the cheese product) and that offering salient benefits (e.g. health or lower price) can off-set technology concerns in some but not all instances. Differences amongst consumer segments also exist with price having low utility for “health focused consumers” but having high utility for “conventional consumers”.Industrial relevanceThis research provides industry with an overview of consumer perceptions around two potential nano-inside and nano-outside product applications elicited through a nationally representative quantitative survey (n = 1046). The results from this work can contribute to the development of a research commercialisation strategy that will yield products and processes of value to consumers, and thus will have greater likelihood of acceptance. Moreover, this work points to the need to involve consumers at an early stage in the product development process and in considering potential commercialisation pathways, particularly with regard to food production where consumers may be especially sensitive or risk-averse. Appreciating the concerns and preferences of consumers and eliciting their overall level of acceptance with regard to particular technologies and product applications is crucial for their success.     

Nanotechnology in agro-food: From field to plate

Application of nanotechnology in the agro-food sector is one of the fastest growing fields in nano-research. The increase in number of the publications, patents and intellectual property rights in the field of nano-agri-food and recent research trends in food processing, packaging, nutraceutical delivery, quality control and functional food is by itself an evidence of the above statement. Government organizations, scientists, inventors as well as industries are coming up with new techniques, protocols and products that have a direct application of nanotechnology in agriculture and food products.This review provides a detailed overview of the application of nanotechnology in the field of agriculture, and food science & technology. Additionally, a brief idea about the classification of nanomaterials, synthesis and characterization techniques is discussed. Some exciting thoughts are also discussed on nanotechnological applications in agricultural practices including nano-agri for enhanced productivity, agricultural water quality management (WQM), product processing, storage and quality control with nano-sensors. The risk assessment and safety concerns with respect to nano agro-food research have also been highlighted.     

Nanotechnology in the food sector and potential applications for the poultry industry

BackgroundSalmonellosis and campylobacteriosis are among the most frequently reported foodborne diseases worldwide. Commercial chicken meat has been identified as one of the most important food vehicles for Salmonella and Campylobacter infection. Increased poultry consumption has forced producers to explore methods for increasing their production output, while maintaining the affordability and safety of their products. While the forecast benefits of nanotechnology have yet to be fully realised, it has potential application at many points along the food production chain and offers the opportunity to meet these challenges.Scope and approachThe commercial poultry processing environment plays a significant role in reducing foodborne pathogens and spoilage organisms from poultry products prior to being supplied to consumers. This review discusses the potential opportunities and challenges for adopting nano-enabled technologies in the poultry industry, with respect to applications in microbiological food safety and quality assurance in the processing plant.Key findings and conclusionsSeveral possibilities exist to exploit the benefits of nanotechnologies in the poultry processing plant to enhance the microbiological safety and quality of products. Those applications include the adoption of nano-enabled disinfectants, surface biocides, protective clothing, air and water filters, packaging, biosensors and rapid detection methods for contaminants, and technologies that assure the authenticity and traceability of products. Although the fate and potential toxicity of nanomaterials are not fully understood at this time and scientific risk assessments are required, it is evident that there have been significant advances in the application of novel nanotechnologies in the food industry.     

Improving packaged food quality and safety. Part 2: Nanocomposites

This paper gathers a number of significant results where nanotechnology was satisfactorily applied to improve packaged food quality and safety by increasing the barrier properties to oxygen of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) in dry and under humid conditions and of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biopolymer. The nanodispersion in the polymer matrix of modified monolayers of clays included in positive lists for food-contact applications is an adequate methodology to increase packaged food shelf-life. In spite of the fact that, in principle, there is no reason to believe that 'adequately' modified nanocomposites making use of substances in positive lists can impose any immediate risk threat for food-contact applications, further studies concerning potential migration issues and life-cycle analysis have to still emerge within the overall field of nanotechnology to corroborate the fact.     

Nanotechnology in Agri-Food Sector

The emergence of nanotechnology developments using nanodevices/nanomaterials opens up potential novel applications in agriculture and food sector. Smart delivery systems, biosensors, and nanoarrays are being designed to solve the problems faced in agriculture sector. Similarly, food sector is also benefited through the use of smart biosensors, packaging materials, and nanonutraceuticals. Despite the great potential of nanotechnology in agri-food sector, people are ambiguous about use in food applications because of suspected potential health risks and environmental concerns. Nanoparticles, due to their unique characteristics, including small size, shape, high surface area, charge, chemical properties, solubility and degree of agglomeration can cross cell boundaries or pass directly from the lungs into the blood stream and ultimately reach to all of the organs in the body. This is the reason why they may pose higher risk than the same mass and material of larger particles. In this paper, we have made an attempt to give an overview of nanotechnology developments in agri-food sector, risks associated with nanomaterials and toxicity regulations for policy framework.     

纳米技术与木材工业

介绍纳米技术概况,继固态技术和生物技术之后纳米技术将引发下一次工业革命.木材工业是成熟的传统工业,纳米材料在木材工业加工和产品中应用广泛,可使其产生突破性进展.介绍了美国、加拿大及欧盟等在木材工业中推进纳米技术情况,提出我国在木材工业领域开展纳米技术应用研究的建议.     

纳米技术在世界范围内食品工业中的应用

介绍了纳米技术在世界范围内食品工业中的应用,主要内容包括采用纳米技术制造食品、食品的纳米包装材料、食品的纳米标签和使用纳米技术监控食品、食品的纳米添加剂、应用纳米技术运输食品中的活性物质。     

台湾保健食品技术发展之现况

台湾保健食品产业因人们生活水平的提升以及对健康观念的重视而日益蓬勃发展.在保健食品产业中,生物技术产业是最受瞩目的明星产业.通过利用生物技术开发出高附加价值的健康食品.保健食品的产出大多利用现有或新颖的食品加工技术与原料,或再延伸应用生物科技、奈米技术、生化营养及预防医学知识,创造出更加安全、营养的健康食品.现对台湾保...     

Sensory acceptability and willingness to buy foods presented as having benefits achieved through the use of nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a small scale (1-billionth of a meter). Nanomaterials have been used extensively in food production and packaging to improve food safety and eating quality. However, consumer knowledge of nanotechnology is low and the public’s perceptions about its use in foods is poorly understood. This study assessed consumers’ knowledge and attitudes towards food nanotechnology, and measured degree of liking and purchase intent for tasted foods presented as having specific nanotechnology benefits. Participants were 161 young, mostly college-educated adults. They evaluated samples of fresh cherry tomatoes and chocolate ice cream for overall liking and liking of key attributes using 15-cm line scales. They were informed that the first sample of each food had no nanotechnology (control), but the subsequent samples were produced with nanotechnology materials. For the tomatoes, nanoparticles were added to the packaging as an anti-microbial or to extend freshness; for the ice cream, nanoparticles were incorporated into the food matrix to deliver probiotics or reduce icing. In reality, no foods were produced with nanotechnology. Participants also completed surveys on their food attitudes and knowledge of nanotechnology. Results showed that all the samples were highly liked, regardless of whether they claimed to deliver nanotechnology benefits. In addition, most (75–86%) participants were willing to buy the nanotechnology foods; the primary reasons being “sensory appeal” and “nanotechnology benefit” (p < 0.01). These results show that a majority of young, educated consumers had positive attitudes towards foods with nanotechnology and were willing to buy them.     

食品纳米技术与纳米食品研究进展

纳米微粒在常态下能表现出普通物质不具有的特性,这使纳米材料和纳米技术极具潜力、倍受瞩目。在食品领域,纳米食品加工技术、纳米营养素制备技术、纳米食品包装、纳米检测技术成为研究热点。本文综述了食品纳米技术与纳米食品最新研究进展与成果,提出了食品纳米技术与纳米食品今后研究的前沿科学问题与需要突破的关键技术。     

Trends and challenges of biopolymer-based nanocomposites in food packaging

The ultimate goal of new food packaging technologies, in addition to maintaining the quality and safety of food for the consumer, is to consider environmental concerns and reduce its impacts. In this regard, one of the solutions is to use eco-friendly biopolymers instead of conventional petroleum-based polymers. However, the challenges of using biopolymers in the food packaging industry should be carefully evaluated, and techniques to eliminate or minimize their disadvantages should be investigated. Many studies have been conducted to improve the properties of biopolymer-based packaging materials to produce a favorable product for the food industry. This article reviews the structure of biopolymer-based materials and discusses the trends and challenges of using these materials in food packaging technologies with the focus on nanotechnology and based on recent studies.     

Active food packaging evolution: transformation from micro- to nanotechnology

Predicting which attributes consumers are willing to pay extra for has become straightforward in recent years. The demands for the prime necessity of food of natural quality, elevated safety, minimally processed, ready-to-eat, and longer shelf-life have turned out to be matters of paramount importance. The increased awareness of environmental conservation and the escalating rate of foodborne illnesses have driven the food industry to implement a more innovative solution, i.e. bioactive packaging. Owing to nanotechnology application in eco-favorable coatings and encapsulation systems, the probabilities of enhancing food quality, safety, stability, and efficiency have been augmented. In this review article, the collective results highlight the food nanotechnology potentials with special focus on its application in active packaging, novel nano- and microencapsulation techniques, regulatory issues, and socio-ethical scepticism between nano-technophiles and nano-technophobes. No one has yet indicated the comparison of data concerning food nano- versus micro-technology; therefore noteworthy results of recent investigations are interpreted in the context of bioactive packaging. The next technological revolution in the domain of food science and nutrition would be the 3-BIOS concept enabling a controlled release of active agents through bioactive, biodegradable, and bionanocomposite combined strategy.     

Recent advances in the use of composite titanium dioxide nanomaterials in the food industry

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanomaterials have attracted significant attention due to their good biocompatibility and potential for multifunctional applications. In the last few years, there has been growing interest in the use of TiO₂ nanomaterials in the food industry. However, a systematic review of the synthesis methods, properties, and applications of TiO₂ nanomaterials in the food industry is lacking. In this review, we provide a summary of the synthesis and properties of TiO₂ nanomaterials and their composites, with a focus on their applications in the food industry. We also discuss the potential benefits and risks of using TiO₂ nanomaterials in food applications. This review aims to promote food innovation and improve food quality and safety.     

纳米技术在果酒业中的潜在应用

随着科学技术的发展,纳米技术已渗透到各行各业。然而其在果酒业中的应用尚处于研究探索阶段。该文根据纳米材料的特性,较系统地阐述了纳米技术、纳米材料在改进果酒包装性能、改善果酒风味和增强功能特性以及果酒在线检测中的应用,并指出纳米技术在果酒业的发展前景。     

Active and intelligent packaging: The indication of quality and safety

The food industry has been under growing pressure to feed an exponentially increasing world population and challenged to meet rigorous food safety law and regulation. The plethora of media consumption has provoked consumer demand for safe, sustainable, organic, and wholesome products with “clean” labels. The application of active and intelligent packaging has been commercially adopted by food and pharmaceutical industries as a solution for the future for extending shelf life and simplifying production processes; facilitating complex distribution logistics; reducing, if not eliminating the need for preservatives in food formulations; enabling restricted food packaging applications; providing convenience, improving quality, variety and marketing features; as well as providing essential information to ensure consumer safety. This chapter reviews innovations of active and intelligent packaging which advance packaging technology through both scavenging and releasing systems for shelf life extension, and through diagnostic and identification systems for communicating quality, tracking and brand protection.