Nanotechnology

I.
DISCUSSION
Nanotechnology involves the understanding, manipulation, and control of

matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers. It means understanding,
shaping and combining matter at the atomic and molecular scale as it encompasses
science, medicine, engineering, computing and robotics. Nanotechnology is
currently among the most advanced fields of science that offers broad opportunities
for the growth and development of many technology and industry sectors, but just
like any advanced field, aside from its advantages, several risks are also associated
with it. While nanotechnology is being used in many industries, this case study will
focus on its applications in the food industry.
Nanostructured materials exhibit unique physicochemical properties that

permit the creation of new and high-performance materials, which will have a
critical impact on food manufacturing, packaging, and storage. Today,
nanotechnology in food focuses on the development of nanofood ingredients and
additives, delivery systems for bioactive compounds, and food packaging. Major
advances have been directed to modify the texture of food components,
encapsulating food components or additives, developing new flavors and their
controlled release, and increasing the bioavailability of nutritional components. The
most important applications of nanotechnology in the food sector can be divided
into the following main categories:
1. to improve stability and protect nutraceuticals against degradation during
manufacturing, distribution, and storage;
2. to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble functional food ingredients
thus improving their nutritional value;
3. to increase shelf life of foods using nanostructured materials with improved
mechanical and thermal properties;
4. to produce low-fat or low-calorie products;
5. to modify the flavor and texture of food products; and
6. to optimize the delivery of functional food ingredients.
Nanotechnology is a new frontier of enabling technologies promising huge

economic benefits. Although many benefits arise from these technologies there is
also much concern over potential negative effects. Many nanomaterials may well
prove to be harmless; however, others may present a risk to human health.
Nanomaterials behave differently at the molecular and atomic scales and may also
present new risks as a result of their novel properties, their small size, relatively
large surface area, shape, and reactivity with other chemicals.
The reduction in particle size reduces the effectiveness of barriers to the

penetration of foreign materials into the human body. Nanoparticles can cause harm
to lung, skin, brain, and digestive system cells. They enter ecological systems
through materials taken to dumps, incinerated, or washed down the drain and reach
aquatic environments, soil, and sediments, increasing the risk of exposure to
nanomaterials. For these reasons, many countries have recognized that since a
large number of novel materials and material properties are continuously being
introduced, it is imperative to develop a robust scientific platform to understand the
relationship of these properties to risk assessment outcomes.
Nanotechnology is very expensive and developing it can cost a lot of money as

to generate and assemble its particles in different forms needs many technologies.
Nanotech devices and machines have taken place of humans to work faster and
accurately, and so another disadvantage could be the lessening of importance of
men power in the field of practical work
Nanomaterials are regulated under different regulatory regimes, depending on

their field of application; however, the primary goal is to ensure the safety of the
nanoenabled applications for workers, consumers, and the environment. Moreover,
many nanotechnology initiatives, commissions, or centers have been launched by
governments, academia, and private sectors in Europe, the United States, New
Zealand, and some other countries around the globe to ensure rapid development
of nanotechnology.
Unfortunately, there are some barriers that make the regulatory process difficult
for the use of nanomaterials in foods. The most important challenge in the
development of a regulatory framework for nanotechnology and nanomaterials is
the absence of a common definition; agreement is required on what is being
regulated if certain products or processes are not to fall between regulatory gaps.
On the other hand, public awareness also influences the regulatory process of
nanomaterials. A failure to properly educate the public could significantly impact
the public perception of risk and create an unfounded hypersensitivity.
II. SUMMARY
Nanotechnology is one field in science that is currently a popular subject for

researches and utilization in many industries, such as in medicine, energy sector,
electronics and food industry. The manipulation of matter in the nanoscale level has
given way to create revolutionary products that can benefit our society, but
nanotechnology comes also with disadvantages that are always important to
consider.
As mentioned in the discussion, the current focus of nanotechnology research for

the food sector can be classified in five areas: (1) food processing, (2) packaging,
(3) quality and safety, (4) nutraceuticals, and (5) functional foods. All of these
impact the economic outlook for this sector and have major implications for the
food system. Nanotechnology offers opportunities for research in food nanoscience
and provides new chances for innovation with tremendous possibilities in bringing
solutions for the food industry. The disadvantages of nanotechnology are the
negative effects of some nanomaterials to our health and environment, its high cost
development, its threat to manpower, and the lack of public awareness regarding
nanotechnology.
While ensuring that society can benefit from novel applications of

nanotechnology, there should also be a high level of protection of health, safety,
and the environment. These new technologies, if correctly regulated, can play a key
role in improving product and process development to the benefit of human health.
What we need is much more research to develop nanofood technology into a fully
functional branch of modern science.
III. REFERENCES
Justo-Hanani, R., Dayan, T., 2016. Explaining transatlantic policy divergence: the
role of domestic politics and policy styles in nanotechnology risk regulation. Global
Environ. Polit. 16 (1), 79–98.
Cushen, M., Kerry, J., Morris, M., Cruz-Romero, M., Cummins, E., 2012.
Nanotechnologies in the food industry—recent developments, risks and regulation.
Trends Food Sci. Technol. 24 (1), 30–46.
Chen, H., Yada, R., 2011. Nanotechnologies in agriculture: new tools for sustainable
development. Trends Food Sci. Technol. 22, 585–594.
Nash, J., 2012. The Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act: a model for
nanomaterials regulation. J. Nanopart. Res. 14 (8), 1–13.
Ponce, A. G., Ayala-Zavala, J. F., Marcovich, N. E., Vázquez, F. J., & Ansorena, M. R.
(2018). Nanotechnology Trends in the Food Industry: Recent Developments, Risks,
and Regulation. Impact of Nanoscience in the Food Industry, 113–141.
Studer, C., Aicher, L., Gasic, B., von Goetz, N., Hoet, P., Huwyler, J., Kaegi, R., Kase,
R., Kobe, A., Nowack, B., 2015. Scientific basis for regulatory decision-making of
nanomaterials. Report on the Workshop, 20–21 January 2014, Center of Applied
Ecotoxicology, Dübendorf. CHIMIA. Int. J. Chem. 69 (1), 52–56.
Golin, C.B., Bougher, T.L., Mallow, A., Cola, B.A., 2013. Toward a comprehensive
framework for nanomaterials: an interdisciplinary assessment of the current
Environmental Health and Safety Regulation regarding the handling of carbon
nanotubes. J. Chem. Health Saf. 20 (4), 9–24.
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I.

Nanotechnology involves the understanding, manipulation, and control of

Nanostructured materials exhibit unique physicochemical properties that

Nanotechnology is a new frontier of enabling technologies promising huge

The reduction in particle size reduces the effectiveness of barriers to the

Nanotechnology is very expensive and developing it can cost a lot of money as

Nanomaterials are regulated under different regulatory regimes, depending on

Nanotechnology is one field in science that is currently a popular subject for

As mentioned in the discussion, the current focus of nanotechnology research for

While ensuring that society can benefit from novel applications of

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