Applications of nanotechnology in the food industry : an overview

Abstract EN

Nanotechnology deals with the capability to image, measure, model, control and manipulate matter at dimensions of roughly 1–100 nanometer.

The potential benefits of nanotechnology have been recognized by many industries and commercial products in many fields based on fundamental and applied research in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering and material science.

In contrast, applications of nanotechnology within the food industry are rather limited.

However, achievements and discoveries in nanotechnology are beginning to impact the food industry and associated industries.

This article provides an overview of some developmental efforts in the area of nanotechnology as it applies to food systems and industry.

Such applications include the following : nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, nanolaminates, nanocomposites, nanofibers, nanoprecipitation, nanodispersion, nanocapsules.

Furthermore, nanotechnology can be applied to produce novel nutraceutical, functional foods and unique milk protein.

Identification of pathogens in food, oil and fat industry, food packaging and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) as a nanotechnology tool in food science are all promising applications discussed in the present article.