Application of Nanotechnology & Recent Discoveries in Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology being the recent greatest application in the world of science has extended its utility in food science and agriculture. Nano-science deals with substances and materials of Nano-metre size (10–9 m). Nanotechnology has offered many new innovative solutions in the health industry including cancer treatment, drug delivery in a targeted fashion. Nano-materials and Nano capsules have been used in the agricultural farms in pest control and nutrient delivery. Nano-science in food technology has diverse utility from production to packaging. It is used as additives for colour and flavour enhancer. Sometimes this particle increases the bioavailability and improves the nutritional value of the food product. Nano techniques are mostly used in food safety and preservation. Active and smart packaging using Nanosensors and nanomaterial in food packages provide immense use in the food safety aspect. Properties of different kinds of nanomaterial from various sources are studied in this chapter. Consumer acceptance being an important criterion in the food industry is also analysed along with regulations formed. This article summarises some major applications of nanoscience and technology.

Nanotechnology is the next-generation technology that is growing in high momentum with huge adaptability and utility. Nanoscience is the basis that rules behind these applications. It is described as “The study of phenomenon, fabrication and managing of matter having size in the atomic dimensions”. Nanotechnology is the association of “physics, chemistry, biology, computers, and material sciences integrated with engineering” directed towards the machining of materials in the nanoscale [1]. The term nanotechnology was known to the research world when Nobel laureate Richard P Feyman mentioned it as “There’s plenty of room at the bottom” in his lecture in 1959. Thenceforth, scientists and researchers witnessed many modifications and developments in the knowledge acquired. The nanoparticles can be 0D, 1D, 2D or 3D depending on the overall shape. Nanomaterials are particles of size 1 to 100 nanometers. The highlighting properties of these nanomaterials are that they offer high surface activity by possessing high surface area. Some of the quantum effects like magnetic, optic, electric properties of the normal materials change when they are in the nanoscale. Its vast potential is identified by many industries like health science, food and beverage industries, agro, optic, electrical, textile, cosmetics, etc [2]. Nanotechnology is the implementation of Nano science using nanomaterials to produce useful products. They work with the principles of basic physics, chemistry, electronics, and material sciences. Nowadays industries involved in biomaterials, biomedicine, food and beverages are gaining importance with the use of nanotechnology. Nano science is the “study, manipulation and engineering of matter, particles, and structures on the nanometer scale (in SI units 10–9 m)”. The nanomaterials have different properties than that of the macro materials due to different quantum and mechanical properties. It is used in the studies of electrical, thermal, optical and some biological properties.

Drug delivery is an important concept in diabetic care, injection of insulin and mainly in cancer treatment. In chemotherapy, the drugs are coated with nanoparticles in a congenial manner to aid captivation of drugs by the infected cells. This ensures direct and fast treatment. This declines the damage to nearby healthy cells in the body [3]. One of the techniques to achieve this is the use of ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is coated over the nanoparticles (NP) that distribute therapeutic drugs to carcinoma lumps. This ethylene glycol restricts white blood cells from identifying the nanoparticles as foreign particles, allowing them to disseminate in the bloodstream for an extended period of time to attract the cancer tumours. Better techniques of delivering these therapeutic particles with targeted delivery to the malignant cells are researched in a vast way. Scientists at MIT have demonstrated the usage of two varieties of NP’s for this kind of targeted delivery. The first type identifies the cancer cells and the second type (carrying the therapeutic drugs) breeds in on a signal generated by the first type of nanoparticle [4].

Traditional agricultural practices employ chemical fertilisers and various pest control methods to enhance nutrient uptake and unperturbed growth leading to better yields. The main disadvantage of these methods is undesirable changes in the environment. In this regard, suitably synthesis nanomaterials can be applied to diminish the use of harmful chemicals [5]. With the advent of nanocapsules and viral capsids, plant infections can be detected and treated. Further, nanotechnology can find use in targeted delivery of nutrients to desired sites. Water treatment, plant breeding and genetic engineering are some of the other branches of agricultural science, in which nanotechnology has plenty of solutions to existing issues [6]. Even though the market for nanomaterials in agriculture is inferior to their market in other areas. Studies report that this condition can be improved if proper attention is given in scaling up the production of nanomaterials, cost control and risk analysis. From this perspective, nanoparticles obtained from natural polymers such as proteins and carbohydrates could be of great help as they are eco-friendly and harmless to human beings. In particular, nanoparticles derived from starch are being researched to be used as bio stimulants as well as to devise delivery systems for agrochemicals [7].

While research on nanomaterials for agrochemical applications has gained momentum, those materials have not been successfully commercialised due to the difficulties associated with large-scale production and cost reduction. In a commercial standpoint, only a handful of agrochemical firms have realised the future prospects of nanotechnology and accordingly have come forward to make investments. As the first steps, these enterprises are now exploring the potency of customised nano-sized ingredients to penetrate the biological barriers and reach the targets. On the other hand, some start-up companies equipped with nanotechnology have come forward to offer reliable solutions to ensure uniform water distribution through their soil conditioners [8]. However these products are less profitable in the present scenario; the loss is recouped by the extra gains from medical and pharma divisions. In this regard, investigations have been mooted to step into a sustainable market in the agricultural sector.

The versatility of Nanoscience and nanotechnology play a versatile role in the food industry, starting from production to packing through processing and fortification. In the processing stage, nanomaterials are used to maintain colour, texture and taste of the food items. Besides, they are used as emulsification agents and anti-caking agents. Green synthesised nanomaterials and biopolymer-coated nanoparticles are used as food additives, antimicrobial agents, smart packing materials and shelf-life enhancers. As a packing material, apart from improving the mechanical strength of the package, they protect the packed food from harmful UV radiations, pathogens and other contaminants and hence increase the shelf life while maintaining the nutrition values. Nanosensing technology helps in analysing the quality of food and in ensuring the safety [6] Food science and food technology are the frontiers of science as they are the most essential form to sustain life on the planet. Nanotechnology has reached the climax in the research and application process. According to research nanotechnology and its related topics cover about 10% of the total web of science database [9]. Thus, combining these two pioneers of science would yield numerous useful applications to humankind. Some of the obvious applications in the specified industry are smart and active food packaging, food safety, food quality, food processing, juice clarification, nutraceutical supplements, etc. Encapsulation of these nanoparticles improves the stability of the foods that are temperature sensitive and also labile to the outer environment. This method keeps the flavour, aroma and taste of the food intact in any condition. Engineered nanoparticles offer controlled release of the scent and flavour. Similarly, nano surfaces of the food offer anti-microbial properties to the packaging [5]. The market price for nanotechnology in the food industry was US$4 million in 2006, and US$6 billion in 2012 and this trend rose to US $20 billion in 2020 (approximately) [6]. The food industry can profit from nanotechnology through focusing on innovative methods like bio separation of proteins, rapid analysis of contaminants and protection of nutraceuticals.

Though there are many proven advantages of nanotechnology, consumer acceptability is still a big hindrance for the growth of the industry. More the exposure and awareness of the toxic effects due to nanomaterials, more the concern of its application in the food industry. Thus, human safety is the main concern for the public approval of these foods and food related products. Hence, international regulatory laws and structure for nanofoods are required for it to be accepted world-wide by the people without any fear [7] .

Nanoscience plays a very vital role in environmental remediation. Nanotechnology offers techniques to detect the contaminants and clean them up. Nanoparticles are used as an absorbent. Researchers have created a nanofiber towel made of potassium manganese oxide that can absorb 20 times its weight in oil, making it useful for cleaning purposes [10]. Similar techniques can be used to repel the oil and water in case of oil spilling in seas by using magnetic water-repellent nanoparticles. Some nanoparticles are also used to clear water polluting contaminants. Toxic pollutants from the air are separated using membranes covered with nanomaterials like graphene oxide. However, studies are being conducted to improve the effectiveness of catalysts, which can help lessen the effects of air pollution from sources such as vehicles, air conditioners, and industrial sites. The large surface area of these catalysts, which are composed of nanoparticles, allows the chemicals to react [11]. A thin-film membrane with nanopores has been created by engineers for desalination that uses less energy. Compared to current conventional filters, this molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) membrane filtered two to five times as much water. By quickly and inexpensively identifying and treating water contaminants, nanotechnology may be able to contribute to the supply of inexpensive, safe drinking water [12].

Nanotechnology in the upcoming new world is something that all of us should be welcoming and utilising in full force. It holds its application in various industries and forms. Many useful discoveries and life saving inventions are a part of nanoscience. Food packaging, fortification and drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, etc. are a boon to mankind. Environmental cleanup is made easily possible through nanotechnology by removing pollutants and contaminants effectively and quickly. Many more research are happening on the application of nanoscience which will aid in the progress of the world.