Emerging Trends of Nanotechnology and Nanoscience in Food Safety

N. Vijaya Sree, P. Udayasri, V. V. Aswani Kumar Y and N. Rama Rao

Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur - 522 510 India.

Corresponding Author E-mail: nadendla2000@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT: Nanotechnology and nanoscience refers to the technology development and basic research at the atomic or molecular scale, leading to the controlled manipulation and study of structures, objects and devices with length scales in the 1- to 100-nanometers range. These studies of the nanoworld have been possible due to the simultaneous discovery of new instrumentation methods. Although the impact of nanotechnology has already been felt in engineering and medical fields, its presence in developing nanofoods and in food safety are on the steady rise. Nanocapsules controlled release and adsorption of nutrients as desired by the customer has facilitated the growth of nano foods with immediate impact. In the converging fields of microbiology, biotechnology and nanotechnology emphasis has been given on nanoprotocols for pathogen detection and identification coupled with the use of instrumentation. New tools for early intervention against pathogens are now possible. The uses of nanoparticles as reporters with reference to quantum dots and gold nanoparticles have increased our understanding of the nanoworld. S-layers from various Bacillaceae have been used for isoporous ultrafiltration membranes as well as immobilization matrices for binding of monolayer of functional molecules which would be used in development of bioanalytical sensors and immunoassays. The number of reports and publications in this area is on the annual increase. Here we bring to the attention of the readers some recent developments in the area of nanofoods and pathogen identification incorporating nanoscience and nanotechnology which would have a positive impact on the society and economy.

KEYWORDS: Nanoscience; Nanoparticles; Pathogen identification.

[ HTML Full Text]