Heliyon 7 (2021) e08539

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Heliyon
journal homepage: www.cell.com/heliyon

Review article

Application of nanotechnology in agriculture, postharvest loss reduction and

food processing: food security implication and challenges
Kumera Neme a, *, Ayman Nafady b, Siraj Uddin c, Yetenayet B. Tola d
a
Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, College of Agriculture, Wollega University, Box 38, Shambu, Ethiopia
b
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
c
HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Center, University of Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
d
Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, Jimma University College of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine, Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Ensuring food security in developing countries is highly challenging due to low productivity of the agriculture
Agriculture sector, degradation of natural resources, high post farming losses, less or no value addition, and high population
Food processing growth. Researchers are striving to adopt newer technologies to enhance supply to narrow the food demand gap.
Food security
Nanotechnology is one of the promising technologies that could improve agricultural productivity via nano fer-
Nanotechnology
Nanosensors
tilizers, use of efficient herbicides and pesticides, soil feature regulation, wastewater management, and pathogen
detection. It is equally beneficial for industrial food processing with enhanced food production with excellent
market value, elevated nutritional and sensing property, improved safety, and better antimicrobial protection.
Nanotechnology can also reduce post-farming losses by increasing the shelf life with the aid of nanoparticles.
However, further investigation is required to solve the safety and health risks associated with the technology.

1. Introduction producing foods with outstanding quality in highly improved workable

form along with induction of nutrients bioavailability. Many research
The foremost universal challenge on our planet is the question of investigations are focusing on increasing the application of nanotech-
establishing food security for a rapidly increasing population in the nology for the production of crop and food processing (Abobatta, 2018;
world. Predictions show that food demand is likely to rise from 59 to 98% Axelos and Van De Voorde, 2017; Dasgupta et al., 2015; Peters et al.,
for the world population reaching 9 billion by 2050 (Duro et al., 2020). 2016). Increment in articles, intellectual property, and patents in
Despite an increase of the world population particularly in developing nano-agriculture-based food with fresh research tendencies in the pro-
countries, the global food supply interrupted by the expenditure of cessing of food, nutraceutical distribution, packing, quality control, and
bio-resources for production of energy, manufacturing chemicals, high serviceable food is a highly expanding field in nanotechnology research
post farming loss, less value addition, inefficient distribution and mar- (Dasgupta et al., 2015).
keting systems, and other factors (Barrett, 2021; Sekhon, 2014). Farmers Nanotechnology is one of the promising areas to boost the availability
throughout the world will focus on using new innovations and technol- of food and to manufacture newer products for beneficial purposes in
ogies for enhancing the production of crops through intensive and agriculture, food, water, the environment, medicine, energy, and elec-
extensive agriculture. The current efforts further boosted through the use tronics. It is a developing and quickly growing region with new and
of nano-modified stimulants and precision farming. Agricultural effi- exclusive applications in agriculture and food research (Sadeghi et al.,
ciency, soil improvement, secure water use, distribution of food in stores, 2017). Growing productivity and declining postharvest expenditure via
and its quality are basic factors of securing food that may be improved via better outcomes with the support of newer technical investigations with
advances in nanotechnology research (Ashraf et al., 2021; Sastry et al., the help of nanotechnology and biotechnology in foodstuffs might be the
2011). best answer (Yadollahi et al., 2010). Few evolving areas regarding
Newer technology that will increase the production and reduce food nanomaterials in agriculture are to reduce the number of spread chem-
wastage is important to maintain sustainable living standards of the icals, minimize nutrient losses in fertilization, and increased yield
nation and improve food security. Nanotechnology can provide a path for through pest and nutrient management (Prasad et al., 2017a). Some of

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: [email protected] (K. Neme).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08539
Received 30 July 2021; Received in revised form 23 October 2021; Accepted 30 November 2021
2405-8440/© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-
nc-nd/4.0/).
K. Neme et al. Heliyon 7 (2021) e08539

the emerging topics of nanotechnology for food can be largely improved from those of bulk material. The investigation of properties at nanoscale
in the aspects of smart delivery of nutrients, bioseparation of proteins, gives birth to modified properties that could be used manufacturing
rapid sampling of biological and chemical contaminants, nano- novel materials with modified structures, newer tools, and products that
encapsulation of nutraceuticals, solubilization, delivery (Ravichandran, could perform more efficiently.
2010; Sozer and Kokini, 2009). Food nanotechnology comprises the The differently displayed properties of materials at nano scale pro-
application of nanocarrier methodologies to strengthen the bioactive vided newer properties such as more strength, improved optical prop-
ingredients to modify their biological accessibility and barrier against erties, modified antimicrobial potential, and outstanding
several chemical or environmental variations (Mozafari et al., 2008). It superconductive nature (Axelos and Van De Voorde, 2017). They can
induces better sensory characteristics like color, flavor, and texture and adopt shapes like nanotubes, nanoparticles, nanofibers, fullerenes,
enhances reliability in food (Kalita and Baruah, 2019). It also improved nanosheets, and nanowhiskers (Cushen et al., 2012). As per published
the captivation and biological convenience of nutraceuticals (Jafari and European Commission (EC) recommendation, a nanomaterial is defined
McClements, 2017) and drug delivery systems (Safari and Zarnegar, as “natural, incidental, or industrial material with particles, in an un-
2014). Nanotechnology is benefiting food industries as a novel food bound state or in the form of aggregate or agglomerate where 50% or
packing supplies with modified mechanical, fencing, and antimicrobial more of the particles in the number and size distribution, one or more
characteristics (Mustafa and Andreescu, 2020; Rossi et al., 2017; Duncan, than one dimensions lies in the range of 1–100 nm” (Potocnik, 2011). A
2011). Nanotechnology-based sensors for trace detection observing the graphic exhibition of substances falling in “nano” (<100 nm) and
condition of diet in terms of transportation and storing, and encapsula- “micro” (>100 nm) size scales is shown in Figure 1.
tion of food modifiers or additive materials were other merits of the
technology (Chaudhry et al., 2008). 2.1. Approaches of nanotechnology
Nanotechnology-based applications have put forward the growing
requirement of using nanoparticle in food biotechnology, science, food Nanotechnology can be applied via two opposite approaches that are
processing, food packaging, functional food development, food safety, “bottom-up” or “top-down” approach even in food technology. The top-
detection of pathogens in food, and extended shelf-life of food and food down approach can be employed via the physical method undertaken for
foodstuffs (Singh et al., 2017). Nanomaterials perform very well in food and agriculturally based materials. Production of nanomaterials at a
enhancing food security to support the development of food commercial scale presently employs mainly the ‘‘top-down” approach,
manufacturing industry. Depositing of food manufacturing equipment where nanoscale materials are synthesized by size decrease of bulk pre-
(via biofilm coating), nanofabricated filters, sieves and membranes, cursors, via milling technique, nanolithography, or using precision en-
nanocomposite based and nanosized adsorbents and catalytic agents are gineering (De Azeredo, 2009; Sozer and Kokini, 2009). Dry milling
also utilization areas for provision of assistance in the processing of food protocol is employed to get grain flour with reduced size and hence more
(Bartolucci, 2017). Adding nanomaterials into the packing of food are water-retaining ability. The top-down approach can enhance the anti-
supposed to modify the hindrance felt during materials packing and can oxidant properties of green tea via size decreasing procedure (Shibata,
help decrease the involvement of valued raw ingredients and waste 2002). According to a report, powdered green tea with 1000 nm size has
production (Sozer and Kokini, 2009). higher digestion of nutrients and results in the enhanced ability for dis-
In general, nanotechnology enables the most promising opportunities mutase enzyme with enhanced removal of oxygen and hence elevated
for the development of new and improved products. However, the public antioxidant activity (Sanguansri and Augustin, 2006). Another procedure
concern regarding health risks associated with nanotechnology products called homogenization broadly used for dairy work regarding size
are questioned for many scientific communities which need further reduction in case of globules, vaporization, and laser application asso-
investigation (Kamarulzaman et al., 2020; Díaz-Soler et al., 2019; Han ciated with cooling is also supposed to be top-down protocol (Roohinejad
et al., 2018). This review paper aims to describe the fundamentals of and Greiner, 2017). The functionality of food material for the required
nanotechnology, its application in agriculture, food research, post- purpose is a surface area with better properties. Top-down and bottom-up
harvest, food process technology, packaging, and its role to support food approaches are exhibited in Figure 2 and dependent upon size reduction
security efforts as well as the challenges in the use of the technology in as finer size material possesses bigger.
the food and agriculture system. In this review, studies published be- The top-down protocol is associated with nanotechnology-based de-
tween 2016–2021 years were covered. However, based on the number of vices are monitored with external power to yield the preferred parame-
citations and relevance of the investigations, other articles were included ters and specific initiation from larger dimensions having stuff with
outside the specified period. The search procedure was conducted in the cutting to obtain the desired size (Sangeetha et al., 2017). Using the
database “Web of Science,” using different combinations of keywords or bottom-up protocol, atoms are converted into nanoscale materials or
search strings. The keywords are nanotechnology, nanoscience, nano- fixed self-assemblies using complex processes. Self-assembly depends on
particles, agriculture, nanofertilizers, nanoherbicides, nanopesticides, matching attractive and repulsive forces between molecule pairs used as
nanosensors, nanoformulations, gene sequencing or nanocoding, nano building blocks for manufacturing efficient supramolecular assemblies
coatings, nanoemulsions, nanocomposites, nanostructured materials, (Sanguansri and Augustin, 2006). For example, self-assemblage or
delivery, formulation, packaging, nanotubes, and nanotoxicity. grouping of casein micelle gives rise to the formation of carbohydrate-
Examples of self-assembled nanostructures in food include the organi-
2. Fundamentals of nanotechnology zation of the casein micelle, the structures formed in
protein-polysaccharide liposomes, and aggregates. According to a report,
Nanotechnology means the “synthesis, designing, characterizing, and the bottom-up method provides a better opportunity for the synthesis of
utilization of assemblies, tools, and systems via directing the morphology nanostructures with fewer flaws, enhanced identical chemical arrange-
and size variation at nanometer level from 1 - 100 nm” (Yadollahi et al., ment, and improved organization (Pathakoti et al., 2017).
2010). For your reference, one nanometer-scale means one-billionth
(10
9) of part of one meter which implies that the application of the 3. The role of nanotechnology in achieving food security
technology at this size. Nanoscience and nanotechnologies considered as
innovative attitudes in developmental research related to the learning of The world is exposed to innumerable and unprecedented challenges
marvels and operation of substance at atomic, molecular, or macromo- due to increasing climate change, land constraints, increasing popula-
lecular levels, at which stage their properties are considerably varied to tion, industrialization, low productivity, and high postharvest losses
those at bulk level (Potocnik, 2005). Here, the biological, chemical, and (Ndlovu et al., 2020; Gothandam et al., 2018). This has led to food
physical characteristics of resulting products are fundamentally different insecurity worldwide. About 2 billion people in the world experience

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K. Neme et al. Heliyon 7 (2021) e08539

Figure 1. A pictorial exhibition of things in the “nano” (<100 nm) and “micro” (>100 nm) size ranges. Where DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, C60: Carbon 60.

Figure 2. Schematic of the (a) top-down and (b) bottom-up approaches for making nanoparticles. Adapted from Roohinejad and Greiner (2017) with permission
copyright © 2017 John Wiley and Sons.

moderate or severe food insecurity (FAO, 2019). The lack of regular 3.1. Agriculture
access to food puts them at greater risk of malnutrition and poor health.
This vastly different world calls for new ways of thinking about food Agriculture is practiced for food production via the cultivation of
insecurity and its consequences (FAO, 2019). In order to achieve the varied crops and raising of livestock. It is considered the backbone
required food at the global level, various methods and techniques have economy for most developing countries as a vital role in progress and
been put forth by researchers from around the world for boosting crop development. The rising population in the world results in high demand
production, postharvest reduction, and ensuring sustainability (Sivar- for more food supply, and scientists and engineers are now practicing
ethinamohan and Sujatha, 2021). Ensuring a safe food supply to protect new methods to increase agricultural production (Baruah and Dutta,
the health and wellbeing of people worldwide needs advanced technol- 2009). For the last several years, agriculture nanotechnology has focused
ogy. Recent research has shown the potential of nanotechnology in on research and application to resolve agriculture and environmental
improving the agriculture sector by enhancing the efficiency of agricul- issues sustainability, crop improvement, and enhanced productivity.
tural inputs and providing solutions to agricultural problems for Agricultural nanotechnology seems to be highly interesting for devel-
improving food productivity and security (Singh et al., 2021). The role of oping countries, regarding the decrease in hunger, underfeeding, and
nanotechnology in agriculture, postharvest loss reduction, and food mortality rate in children (Gogos et al., 2012). Developed and emerging
processing towards achieving food security was discussed below. countries like Germany, the United States of America (USA), Brazil,

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China, India, France, and Korea show increased curiosity for using minimize nutrient wastage during applying fertilizer and promote the
nanomaterials for agriculture uses as revealed via a more producing high harvests by enhancing the water and ingredient management (Gogos
number of publications and patents (Gogos et al., 2012). et al., 2012). The responses of different rice cultivars exposed to engi-
As a potential device, nanotechnology can be applied to renovate neered nanoparticles at different growth stages and under different
agricultural divisions; it helps in learning the biochemical pathways of conditions were also reported (Wang et al., 2021).
crops via modifying the conservative methods for evaluating environ-
mental issues and its application to production improvements (Prasad 3.1.1. Nanotechnology to control plant diseases
et al., 2017b). Comparisons of nanotechnology with environmentally About 20–40% of crops are lost due to plant pests and pathogens each
friendly technologies and agricultural biotechnology show an opportu- year worldwide (Flood, 2010). In modern farming practices, pest man-
nity for enhanced and quicker influence upon all constituents of the agement relies heavily on the application of pesticides, such as in-
agricultural-value linkage for synchronized public benefits, legal, moral, secticides, fungicides, and herbicides. The development of cost-efficient,
and environmental effects (Sastry et al., 2011). The prospective use of high-performing pesticides that are less harmful to the environment is
nanoscale agrochemicals such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nano- crucial. The new concepts such as nanotechnology can offer advantages
sensors, and nanoformulations in agriculture has transformed traditional to pesticides, like reducing toxicity, improving the shelf-life, and
agro-practices, making them more sustainable and efficient (Figure 3). increasing the solubility of poorly water-soluble pesticides, all of which
Multiple applications of nanotechnology exist in agriculture including could have positive environmental impacts (Mali et al., 2020; Worrall
wastewater treatment, reducing the quality of polluted soil, enhance the et al., 2018). The significance of agricultural nanotechnology, mainly for
productivity of crops via security in terms of sensors to detect pathogens controlling diseases and safety has been reported elsewhere (Gogos et al.,
(Singh et al., 2021; Axelos and Van De Voorde, 2017). For instance, 2012; Rehmanullah et al., 2020; Sastry et al., 2010). Nano-based con-
nanobiosensors is the wide ranging nanotools, scaffold the growth of ventional herbicides and pesticides assist in the slow and continued
high-tech agricultural farms and also stand proof for the practical and supply of nutrients and agricultural chemicals in a controlled amount to
proposed applications of the nanotools in terms of agricultural inputs the plants (Duhan et al., 2017). Nanoparticles may have also a key role in
control and their management precision (Sivarethinamohan and Sujatha, the control of insect pests and host pathogens (Khota et al., 2012). Type
2021; Duhan et al., 2017). The application of nanopore bearing zeolite of polysaccharides such as chitosan, alginates, starch, and polyesters
for slow discharge and improved efficacy of enrichers, nanosensors for have been considered for the synthesis of nano-insecticides (Mali et al.,
measuring soil quality and smooth supply mechanisms for herbicides are 2020). In general, the use of nanoparticles to protect plants can occur via
among positive impact of nanotechnology in agriculture (Chinnamuthu two different mechanisms: (a) nanoparticles themselves providing crop
and Boopathi, 2009). Several nanoparticles used for monitoring plant protection, or (b) nanoparticles as carriers for existing pesticides and can
diseases are nano-forms of carbon, silica, silver, and alumino-silicates. be applied by spray (Worrall et al., 2018). However, the use of nano-
The use of nanomaterials for agriculture is proposed to reduce spraying materials in plant protection and production of food is under-explored
chemicals via the smooth supply of energetic compounds. It can (Prasad et al., 2017a).

Figure 3. Schematic representation of applications of nanotechnology in agriculture. Adapted from Duhan et al. (2017) with permission copyright © 2017 Elsev-
ier Ltd.

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3.1.2. Nanotechnology to improve quality of soil and fertilizer distribution individual DNA molecules. Nanopore sequencing could allow sequencing
Nanotechnology for the management of crops is used as an essential of single DNA molecules spanning tens of kbp (perhaps up to 100 kbp)
technology for enhancing crop productivity. Nanomaterials and nano- thus lifting the limitations of short-read data (Levy-Sakin and Ebenstein,
structures, such as carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, and quantum dots are 2013). In general, nanotechnologies have been applied in a variety of
now exploited in agriculture research as biosensors for evaluating the contexts, including genome sequencing, targeted resequencing and dis-
quality of soil and fertilizer distribution. The purpose of nanoparticles is covery of transcription factor binding sites, noncoding RNA expression
to minimize the spread of chemicals amount, reduce the nutrient loss profiling, and molecular diagnostics (Elingarami et al., 2013).
during fertilization, and increase the quality and yield with proper
nutrient (Sangeetha et al., 2021). The development and use of vermic- 3.2. Postharvest loss reduction
ulite, nanoclay, and zeolite could improve fertilizer efficacy and crop
production for ecological agriculture in coarse-textured (Sivar- In developed countries, greater than 40% losses of food (cereals, roots
ethinamohan and Sujatha, 2021). Amending sandy loam soils with and tubers, pulses and oil crops, vegetables and fruit, fish meat, and
inorganic amendments reduce NH4–N passage and increasing the yield of dairy) occurs at trade and customer stages, while in the case of devel-
N fertilizer in ecological agriculture systems (Mazloomi and Jalali, oping countries, greater than 40% losses of food occur at post-harvest
2019). Nanoclay is systematized into a number of modules such as stage and processing point (FAO, 2019; Gustavsson et al., 2011).
montmorillonite, bentonite, kaolinite, hectorite, and halloysite on the Newly harvested high moisture unpreserved yields may quickly deteri-
basis of chemical composition and nanoparticle morphology (Sivar- orate owing to microorganism's attack. Newer and advanced technolo-
ethinamohan and Sujatha, 2021). gies such as nanotechnology can help for decreasing post-harvest losses.
Most of the productivity of agricultural practices is heavily dependent Nanotechnology application can minimize post-harvest losses by
on fertilizer use. Studies show that crop production is linearly determined designing functional packing ingredients with the least quantities of
by exhaustive application of fertilizers to increase soil fertility (Rehma- bioactive constituents, improved gas and mechanical properties with a
nullah et al., 2020). The use of nano fertilizer is crucial to enhance crop reduced effect on sensor qualities of vegetables and fruits (Flores-L
opez
production. Nano fertilizer is a material with nanometer-size which im- et al., 2016).
proves the delivery to plants and managed the slow release of nutrients Edible coatings are used as a liquid on food, generally by dipping the
into the soil gradually in a highly controlled way, hence stopping product in a solution-providing substance made by the structural medium
eutrophication and contamination of water (Davari et al., 2017). Nano- (carbohydrate, lipid, protein, or mixture). They protect untreated foods
technology makes the exploitation of nanostructured or nanomaterials from worsening via hindering dehydration, overturning respiration,
for fertilizer transport or limited release routes to construct smooth fer- refining textural features, aiding to preserve volatile aroma compounds,
tilizer as new opportunities to modify nutrient usage efficacy and reduce and decreasing the growth of microbes. Nano-coatings with edible
charges for environmental safety (Hai-Xin et al., 2011). Nano-fertilizer quality deposited on different foodstuff provides a fence to gas and
could improve nutrient efficiency through encapsulation within nano- moisture exchange and delivering flavors, colors, enzymes, antioxidants,
particles which is conducted by three methods. (a) Nutrient encapsula- and browning resistant agents that may enhance the shelf life of synthetic
tion within nanoporous structures, (b) Coating of thin polymeric film, or foods (Zambrano-Zaragoza et al., 2018). The technology enables the
(c) Delivery in the form of particle or suspensions with nanoscale sizes formation of nanoscale coatings up to five nano meter thickness (Sekhon,
(Davari et al., 2017; Rai et al., 2012). Nanoscale fertilizers could lead to 2010). The use of edible coatings and thin films are common for horti-
the more effective delivery of nutrients as their small size may allow cultural commodities. The use depends on properties like cost, avail-
them access to plant surfaces and transport channels (Mastronardi et al., ability, functional qualities, mechanical properties (elasticity, tension),
2015). Nano-fertilizer extracted and prepared from banana peels were photosensitive properties (brilliance and opacity), the fencing effect
used in the growth of tomatoes, peppers, or flowers (Sivarethinamohan versus gas flow, structural hindrance to water migration, microbes and
and Sujatha, 2021). Nano fertilizers were used for the growth and sensory suitability (Zambrano-Zaragoza et al., 2018; Falguera et al.,
improvement of different crops, for instance, nanoparticles of ZnO for 2011).
chickpea, silicon dioxide and iron slag powder for maize, colloidal silica Various nanoscale edible coatings are applied to food to control the
and NPK for tomato, TiO2 for spinach, gold and sulfur fertilizers were post-harvest excellence of new harvested products. Silver nanoparticles
used for the growth of grapes (Sivarethinamohan and Sujatha, 2021). are of increasing attention recently owing to their antimicrobial prop-
Fertilizer usage with nanoscale transporters may be subjected in a way so erties essential for processing food. The use of PVP-based silver nano-
that they anchor the roots of the plant with the surrounding soil contents particles on asparagus, considerably delayed the growth of microbes,
and organic material hence decreasing chemical loss and lessening slowing the loss of weight and decreased changes in skin color (An et al.,
environmental issues (Dasgupta et al., 2015). Nanoscale fertilizers can 2008). In another report, gelatin-derived edible coatings with cellulose
decrease the toxicity of soil and hence the potential undesirable impacts nanocrystal considerably improved the shelf life of strawberries
accompanied by high dosage are reduced (Davari et al., 2017). Such nano (Fakhouri et al., 2014). Chitosan-assisted nano-silica coating beneficially
fertilizers slow down the nutrients release and extend the duration of improved the physicochemical and physiological value regarding longan
fertilizer impact (Naderi and Danesh-Shahraki, 2013). TiO2 nano- fruit within ambient temperature as compared to other treatments via
particles have shown a major effect on the growth of maize crop; proficiently providing an outstanding semi-permeable film (Shi et al.,
moreover, SiO2 plus TiO2 nanoparticles elevated the action of nitrate and 2013). Moreover, chitosan film-based nano-SiO2 (Yu et al., 2012) and
increased plant absorption potential, by controlled use of water and alginate or lysozyme-based nanolaminate coatings (Medeiros et al.,
fertilizer with the efficient outcome (Abobatta, 2018; Sekhon, 2014). 2014) investigated to reserve the value of fresh diets during prolonged
storage. Nano-ZnO coating also reduced the microbial damage and kept
3.1.3. Nanotechnology and gene sequencing the post-harvest value of some fruits during storing (Sogvar et al., 2016).
The use of nanotechnology also facilitated gene sequencing that Nanotechnology can also be applied in grain quality control using
contributed to the improved identification and use of plant trait means, nanosensors (Bouwmeester et al., 2009). The sensors are capable to
modifying their potential to respond against environmental pressures respond to changes in the environment during storage (temperature,
and ailments. Quantum dots and nanoparticles have proved to a bio- oxygen exposure, and relative humidity), degradation products, or
logical marker associated with outstanding accuracy (Sharon et al., contamination by microbes. They are also applied to respond to the
2010). Optical mapping of DNA in the age of nanotechnology and presence of fungus or insects in the stored grain (Axelos and Van De
nanoscopy also reported (Levy-Sakin and Ebenstein, 2013). Optical Voorde, 2017). Nanosensors for grain quality observing have also been
mapping of DNA grants accesses to genetic and epigenetic information on developed by using polymer nanoparticles that respond to volatile agents

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and other analytes in an environment of stored foods and hence detect breaking and split-up hence considerably decrease the amount of fat
the cause and the kind of decomposition involved (Neethirajan and required (Dasgupta et al., 2015). Several nanoemulsions seem optically
Jayas, 2011). clear and possess many technical advantages for mixing into drinks
(Prasad et al., 2017a). The final possessing products of nanoemulsions
3.3. Food processing are very creamy like usual food products, having no changes felt to
mouth and taste (Dasgupta et al., 2015). Nanoemulsions are applied to
Globally, biggest food companies searching for various methods to modify food for salad dressing, the flavor in oils, sweeteners, improved
modify the competence, safety, value, and nutritional properties of food. beverages, and other food processing.
Newer technologies are required for food industries to enhance produc- In the case of food processing, nanomaterials are used in the form of
tivity, market price, and quality. Plentiful uses of nanotechnology food additives, anti-caking agents, transporters for nifty delivering of
regarding food production and processing are developed including nano- nutrients, antimicrobial agents, filling agents for increasing mechanical
based-food additives, nanoencapsulation, nanosensors, nanoparticles- power and stability of the packing material, where food nanosensing is
based smart distribution systems, nano-packing, plus medicines, and carried out to attain improved food value and security assessment
health care (Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). Its applications are also (Ezhilarasi et al., 2013). This applies to food supplements in the case of
for encapsulation formation, biopolymer matrices, emulsions, simple nutraceuticals production based on enhanced stability along with
solutions, and associated colloids offer effective delivery systems. In- bioavailability (Duncan, 2011).
dustrial food processing by nanotechnology is gaining momentum A large number of food products contain nanoparticles naturally from
particularly, for flavor encapsulation or odor enhancement, modification the beginning. Numerous proteins containing foods are globular struc-
of food texture or value improvement, newer gelation or viscosity tures with 10–100 nm size range, while others consist chiefly, carbohy-
increasing agents (Duncan, 2011). Food nanotechnology emphasizes the drates and lipids, constituting linear polymers with a thickness of <1 nm.
synthesis of nanometer-scale structures with exclusive properties be used Milk possesses casein, a protein existing at the nanoscale, or meat con-
for different purposes, such as delivery arrangements, food interaction sists of filaments of proteins which are categorized as nanomaterial group
surfaces having exclusive superficial properties, devices for food char- (Prasad et al., 2017a).
acterization, microfluidic instruments, sensor technology, and nano- The food and beverage sector are a high finance worldwide industry,
composite coatings, among numerous other uses (Sadeghi et al., 2017). and many food companies have been researching to improve production
The whole application of food science and technology is demonstrated in efficiency, food safety, and nutritional properties (Roohinejad and
Figure 4. Greiner, 2017). The excellent benefits of using nanomaterials in the
Formation of nanoemulsions takes place by minute emulsion droplets processing of meat and packing are increased bioavailability, antimi-
at the nanoscale (oil/water system) showing sizes <100 nm (Anton and crobial properties, boosted sensory qualities plus directed delivery of
Vandamme, 2011). They need higher mechanical energy like a compound with good bioactivity (Ramachandraiah et al., 2015). Nano-
high-pressure homogenizing step or using a microfluidizer or sonication technology is practiced for developing encouraging nano-protocols,
protocol to form the distributed phases. Nanoemulsions minimize the fabrication of environmentally friendly processes and smart
requirement for stabilizers, owing to their protection against food nano-packing, manufacturing products with best texture and taste,

Figure 4. Nanotechnology applications in food science and technology. Adapted from Roohinejad and Greiner (2017) with permission copyright © 2017 John Wiley
and Sons.

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production of low-calorie beverages and food products based on the packaging properties of packaging stuff with lightweight, stronger
objectives of altering the lifestyles with healthy gains (Chaudhry et al., envelop, heat resistance, and other properties. The use of nanotech-
2008; Katouzian and Jafari, 2016). It can produce tools for faster iden- nology in food packaging is effusively used and reported (Han et al.,
tification deficiencies of ingredients like atomic force microscopy (AFM) 2018; Kumar et al., 2018; Mihindukulasuriya and Lim, 2014; Noor-
and is useful to detect pathogens in food via Nanosensors (Rashidi and bakhsh-Soltani et al., 2018). It is estimated that the global nano-based
Khosravi-Darani, 2011). AFM is a commanding device for the investi- packaging food and beverages market was 4.13 billion USD in 2008
gation of fine assemblages of foods and useful for molecular interaction at and raise to 7.3 billion until 2014, exhibiting an annual growth rate of
the nanoscale (Katouzian and Jafari, 2016). 11.65% (Duncan, 2011).
Like other scientific areas, food science also applies newer nano- Various metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are subjected to various
technologies to increase the quality of life regarding customers with the active packing applications. The silver (Ag) and TiO2 are of great value in
aid of modified formulation of food, packing of food, novel ingredients food packaging (Li et al., 2017; Zhao et al., 2012). Active packaging
production, and monitoring of processes which can deliver healthier, employs metal and metal oxide nanoparticles as antimicrobials like
safe, high quality, precise food system with improved shelf life (Roohi- nanocomposites for food packing were employed (Pathakoti et al., 2017).
nejad and Greiner, 2017). Key linkages between food systems and TiO2 is frequently employed as an adsorbent material, stain, or catalytic
nanotechnologies such as food processing, security, functionality, and substrate due to its semiconducting properties with the increased optical,
economical aspects for distribution and efficiency are improving (Rashidi electrical, and photosensitive outcome (Prakash et al., 2018). Blending of
and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). dispersed and antimicrobial Ag/TiO2 nanomaterials with polyethylene
Multipurpose applications of nanotechnology in food processing are employed as packing agents regarding the storage of rice at a relative
nanofiltration, nanoscale enzyme-based reactor, nanoencapsulation for humidity of 70% and temperature of 37  C with improved properties
absorption and modification, transfer of heat and mass, and nano- (Zhao et al., 2012).
fabrication. Nanofiltration is better in industries for the purification of Advantages associated with nanoparticles for food packaging include
pharmaceuticals and as an essential step for forgetting some solutes. It is antimicrobial potential, mobilization of the enzyme, oxygen transport,
also applied for the treatment of drinking water as well as dairy to modify and clue for the extent of exposure to degradation associated factor (De
the product quality by removing salt from lactose (Dasgupta et al., 2015). Azeredo, 2009). Nano-packing material produced a valuable sensing
Heat and mass transfer nanofabrication enhanced heat resistance of quality as compared to the usual packing material (Sharma et al., 2017).
packages. Mixing of nano-polymer containing polylactic acid with zinc oxide
Nanoscale enzyme reactors are applied to modify processing and also nanoparticles resulted in highly suitable interaction material for food
in food treating methods for altering food mechanisms for enhanced packing with increased functionality (Martínez-Bueno et al., 2017). Zinc
flavor, dietary value, and varied health profits. Nanomaterial's addition oxide treated semolina protein coating was tested for food packing with a
results in higher enzyme assisted systems (to improve activity, shelf life, considerable reduction in absorptivity of oxygen plus heat resistance
and economy) because of their aid in scattering through food media due (Jafarzadeh et al., 2017).
to large surface-to-volume relations as compared to macroscale sup- Nanoclay, silicates, and moisturized alumina-silicate have been
ported products (Yu et al., 2005). It is investigated that nanotubes of applied as layers in food packaging (Weiss et al., 2006). Clay with silicate
peptide resulted in improved enzyme supports over elevated temperature has also been mixed with polymers as a potential nanocomposite
(65  C) where the activity of the lipase in the nanotubes was noted to be candidate with outstanding fencing properties for food packaging
70% higher in comparison to fee lipases e.g., nano-SiO2 particles signif- (Sharma et al., 2017). Food packaging potential has also been investi-
icantly hydrolyzed the olive oil with improved stability, reusability, and gated for organoclay nanoparticles used as antimicrobial material
adaptability (Bai et al., 2006). (Fasihnia et al., 2018).
Nanoencapsulation protocol is applied to improve food products. This Cellulose has been observed as supportive material in numerous
technique is practiced generally for improving the flavor, preservation, nanomaterials and has been employed in various applications owing to
and to supply cooking balance. Nanocapsules in the form of nanoceramic the bigger surface area of nanoparticles linked with their boosted activity
pot may be employed to modify absorption for decreasing the cooking (Sharma et al., 2017). It possesses great strength as a natural polymer, is
time as well as the quantity of spent oil, decrease in trans fatty acids inexpensive, greener friendly, and easily recyclable (Moustafa et al.,
because of using plant oil in place of hydrogenated one and lastly 2019). Nano-composite films modified by nano-chitosan and
resulting in forming safer nano food production of nanocapsules for using nano-cellulose added films have been practiced for food packaging and
in food to distribute nutrients for increased absorption. Nano- have exhibited an increase in tensile power, elongation to breakage,
encapsulation conceal odors and tastes, manage interactions of food with clearance, and food protection characteristics (Noorbakhsh-Soltani et al.,
active ingredients, control the discharge of dynamic agents, safeguard 2018). Manufacturing of nano-bio-composited films via
accessibility at a selected time with definite rate, and shield them against polylactides-chitosan has proved them suitable for packaging with sub-
moisture, chemical, heat or biological interference during storage, pro- stantial and continued antioxidant potential in comparison to chitosan
cessing, and application, with a further exhibition of similarity with other used alone (Basu et al., 2017). Nanocomposites of cellulose and copper
ingredients in system (Singh et al., 2017; Ubbink and Krüger, 2006; with antibacterial properties have been applied for packaging as well as
Weiss et al., 2006). Metallic oxides like SiO2 and TiO2 have been used as paper coatings (Pinto et al., 2013).
coloring or flow ingredients in food substances. SiO2 nanomaterials are Chitosan films with nanometer thickness are high focus owing to their
applied in wasted food nanomaterials for transporting scents or aromas in inherent antimicrobial characteristics and are applied broadly (Rieger
food material (Dekkers et al., 2011). et al., 2015). Nanoparticles of chitosan are synthesized via ionic gelation,
by electrostatic interaction of positive amino sides of chitosan with pol-
3.4. Packaging yanions as cross-linkers (Sharma et al., 2017). Chitosan/gelatin-based
nanocomposite with Ag nanoparticles, are used for food packaging and
Packaging assists plentiful roles in food system. One of several sig- seem to be extremely useful protective packing material for extending
nificant functions is to save food from physical harm and quality decline. shelf life by 14 days for red grapes (Kumar et al., 2018). Chitosan-Ag and
The packaging should be safer, passive, inexpensive, frothy, easily Chitosan-Au nanocomposites coating are applied as efficient antimicro-
disposable or reusable, stable in storage and transport circumstances, and bial candidates against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and
resilient to physical exploitation. The composition and type of packaging gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), yeast (Candida albicans) and
material influence the quality of food. Nanomaterials can improve the fungi (Aspergillus niger) and yeast in packing (Youssef et al., 2014).

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4. Nanotubes in food and agriculture cell wall and helped in the penetration of DNA into the cell (Torney et al.,
2007).
Nanotubes are Buckyballs having two sides decorated with other
atomic groups incorporated in the typical hexagonal shape to give a hol- 5. Nanosensors in food and agriculture
low carbon tube (Scott, 2005). Nanotubes withstand high temperature,
having a flexible and strong nature which is applied for use in medical The use of biosensors combined with improved technologies in the
tools, alumina, sports apparatus, and equipment for food processing field of molecular biology, nanomaterials, and microfluidics have enor-
(Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). Nanotubular textures are made mous applications for the productivity of crops. These are also applied to
from several varied materials like inorganics, carbon, bio-microtubules, monitor the activity of microorganisms in the soil and able to predict the
viral proteins, amyloid proteins, porins, lactalbumin, DNA28, carbohy- likely incidence of soil infections. The basic principle related to soil ex-
drates, lipids, synthetic polymers, plus other organics (Scanlon and Aggeli, amination with the biosensor is to find out the comparative action of
2008). Synthesis and usage of enzyme-based nanotubes as supporting positive and negative microorganisms in soil depends upon variation on
substrates for enzymes have been observed to enhance the catalytic action oxygen usage during their breathing. They also offer many opportunities
of nanotube-deposited lipases as shown in Figure 5. in sensing contaminants and their hindrance, via using new properties
Carbon nanotubes induce improved mechanical properties in food related to nanomaterials (Baruah and Dutta, 2009). Biosensors for
packaging (Abdelmonem, 2020). Carbon nanotubes and polyamides detection of the nitrate concentration in plants as well as detection for
have employed to increase the tensile strength of some polymers (Kim markers to identify infected plants are reported for methyl salicylate and
et al., 2008). Carbon nanotube-based biosensors have been practiced in azelaic acid (Griesche and Baeumner, 2020). The use of biosensors for
detecting microbes, toxic elements, and other metabolites in beverages monitoring of Penicillium digitatum infection in citrus fruit was reported
and food owing to their faster detection, simple protocol, and cheaper (Chalupowicz et al., 2020). Smart delivery systems and nanosensors are
cost (Singh et al., 2017). TiO2 based carbon nanotubes have been wit- applied to help in efficient natural agricultural means like nutrients, water,
nessed to increase disinfectant potential against spores of Bacillus cereus and chemicals using precision farming for example satellite monitoring,
(Krishna et al., 2005). Silver deposited TiO2 nanoparticles increased their geographic systems, and distant detecting tools that remotely can detect
bacterial killing effects Vs E. coli (Kim et al., 2006). Strong antimicrobial pests on crops or indication of strain like drought (Sekhon, 2014). The
impacts of carbon nanotubes made them killed via direct contact application of independent sensors connected to GPS monitoring in
(Abdelmonem, 2020). real-time is thought to play a key role in nanotechnology-assisted tools
It was possible to obtain nanotubes from α-lactalbumin (milk pro- (Davari et al., 2017). Arrangement of nanosensors can be carried out
teins) via partial hydrolysis (Sozer and Kokini, 2009). Self-assemblage of throughout the field for monitoring crop growth and soil parameters.
partially hydrolyzed α -lactalbumin into nanotubes has illustrated in Nanosensors are getting attention and playing a big role in the
Figure 6. As per some study reports, α-lactalbumin nanotubes is increased development of the food industry for its efficient responding tools to
viscosity and toughness are hence applicable as a thickener (Ipsen and detect gases, microbes, or toxic substances in packed foods. Nano-
Otte, 2007; Graveland-Bikker and De Kruif, 2006). It said that α-lactal- biosensors have been testified for detecting pathogens in processing
bumin nanotubes are practicable in pharmaceutical and foods as vis- plants or alerting clients, protocols, and providers on the safety position
cosities, gelation agents (sol-gel formation) with controlled assemblage, of food (Cheng et al., 2006). It has been also employed for the existence
encapsulation agents with fixed flavor, and drug delivery, and so on of impurities, mycotoxins, and microbes in food (Bratovci
c et al., 2015).
(Ipsen and Otte, 2007). Allergens have also been detected via biosensors tools with the assistance
Nanotubes have also linked with modern agricultural activity. Ac- of nanoparticles and the report is about to commercialize (Warriner et al.,
cording to some reports, various nanoparticles can enter the cell walls of 2014). These tools can also detect the history of time, expiration date,
plants. It was known that carbon nanotubes can enter tomato seeds to and temperature.
affect their sprouting and development (Khodakovskaya et al., 2009).
Figure 7 illustrates the germination of the development of tomato treated 6. The challenges of nanotechnology in food and agriculture
with various concentrations of carbon nanotubes (0, 10, and 40 μg/L) system
showing a wonderful growth in biomass. This is due to increased uptake
of water by carbon nanotubes resulting in the improvement of the plant. Nanotechnology tremendously used for food and agricultural benefits
Gold-derived mesoporous silica nanoparticles also entered through the as reviewed earlier. However, nanomaterials are associated with many

Figure 5. Illustration of lipase nanotube fabrication and its enzymatic application. Adapted from Yu et al. (2005) with permission copyright © 2005 American
Chemical Society.

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K. Neme et al. Heliyon 7 (2021) e08539

Figure 6. Representation of the self-assembly of partially hydrolyzed α -lactalbumin into nanotubes in the presence of calcium ions (Ca2þ). Adapted from Sozer and
Kokini (2009) with permisssion copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ltd.

Figure 7. Growth performance of 25-day-old tomato seedlings grown on media without and with carbon nanotubes (10 and 40 ug/mL). Adapted from Khodakovskaya
et al. (2009) with permission copyright © 2009 American Chemical Society.

safety issues due to their potential risk values penetrating the cells owing concerns. Nanoparticles can cause oxidative harm and provocative re-
to their minute sizes and could exist in the system (De Azeredo, 2009; actions and the wasted nanoparticles could possess the potential of
Rajput et al., 2020; Sharma et al., 2017). Enhanced application of causing toxicity (Han et al., 2018; Lewicka et al., 2013; Narei et al.,
nanotechnology in agricultural practices and food products are of 2017). Nanotoxicity is chiefly interceded via the tremendous production
tremendous concern amongst big sector of the society because of several of free radicals, to give rise to oxidative anxiety and thus the cells become
antagonistic effects of different nanoparticles (Baruah and Dutta, 2009). unable to sustain usual biological redox-regulated tasks (Pathakoti et al.,
Although properties and protection of the substances in bulk are gener- 2017). The degradation of nano-clay present within low-density poly-
ally evident, nanoscale complements repeatedly demonstrate varied ethylene aggregates can cause carcinoma of alveolar basal epithelial cells
properties as compared to those at the macroscale (De Azeredo, 2009). in humans (Kumar et al., 2018). Many studies have been conducted
The threat associated with nanotechnology is largely due to the small size regarding the antibacterial mechanistic of Ag. But being a heavy metal, it
of nanoparticles with larger surface areas which are easily dispersible, can induce toxicity via denaturation of the proteins and enzymes in the
penetrating cells to reach quite distant areas of the body, for causing body when present at high concentration; its migration threat might be
potential toxicity (Dasgupta et al., 2015). Due to similarity in size with estimated (Li et al., 2017). Studies on Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles and
DNA, nanomaterials possess the chance to react with the biological carbon nanotubes exhibited that these agents could enter blood circula-
specimens (Baruah and Dutta, 2009). tion and their insoluble nature can result in their buildup in organs
Degradation of nanocomposites can occur owing to environmental (Ramachandraiah et al., 2015; Sharma et al., 2017). TiO2 used as a food
conditions with the release of inserted nanomaterials from polymeric additive or in another form in food when entering the body may cause
texture into the environment (Moustafa et al., 2019). The strength of inflammation via oxidative stress, and genotoxicity results in instability
some food packaging, like low-density polyethylene, is changed after of chromosomes (Baranowska-W
ojcik et al., 2020).
exposure to environmental effects, ultraviolet rays, or ozone in humid Nanoparticles can get entry into the body via ingestion, inhalation, or
conditions (Han et al., 2018). According to Han et al. (2018), poly- cutaneous contact. A tremendous amount of nanomaterials usage in food
ethylene samples with low density suffered oxidation under UV light or packaging could be an issue of concern as their release from the
ozone-producing considerable change in structural, physical, and ther- contaminated food or the environment (Han et al., 2018). However,
mal properties. In the agriculture sector, pesticides and nano fertilizers limited data are available regarding the migration of nanoparticles from
are used are spread into the water, soil, or atmosphere, resulting in high the packing materials into food, along with their final toxicological im-
health threat for farmers (Roohinejad and Greiner, 2017). The accumu- pacts (De Azeredo, 2009; Pathakoti et al., 2017).
lation of nanoparticles in the soil is expected to impair plant growth and The choice of green nanofillers in nanocomposites research is highly
accumulate into edible tissues (Rajput et al., 2020). crucial for the safety of environments, human health, and animals.
Once the nanoparticles released into the agro-environment, it Moreover, parameters like concentration, molecular weight, particle size,
immediately begin to undergo a number of transformations. The inter- diffusivity, and stability of particular substances in polymer blend, tem-
action of nanoparticles within the human body is one of the most perature, pH value, polymeric structure and viscosity, contact time,

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K. Neme et al. Heliyon 7 (2021) e08539

mechanical pressure, and food composition are essential (Sharma et al., Honorable Director, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS, Karachi
2017). The accurate determination of environmentally released nano- University for provision of excellent support.
particles and their accumulation in plants, and the impact on health are
also imperative to assess (Rajput et al., 2020). References
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