Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
In the RS Policy document 19/04 (RS Policy document 2004 ), the terms
nanoscience and nanotechnology (Daniel and Astruc 2004 ; Ferrari 2005 ;
Whitesides 2005 ; Paul and Robeson 2008 ; Farokhzad and Langer 2009 ; Ferreira
et al. 2013 ) were defined as “the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials
at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scales, where properties differ signifi-
cantly from those at a larger scale” and “the design, characterisation, production
and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at
nanometer scale,” respectively. According to Duncan ( 2011 ), the nanotechnology
term involves the synthesis or preparation, characterization, and material manipu-
lations (including structures and devices) in this dimension scale. When the dimen-
sions of one specific material are reduced from macro-dimensions to nano-
dimensions, their physical and chemical properties are considerably improved.
Additionally, according to the author, different segments of industry utilize con-
cepts from nanotechnology to improve the properties of products, of the method-
ology of preparation, the application of these products, or for the preparation of
novel products. Their uses are highlighted in agriculture (agrochemicals or vaccine
delivery), food processing (encapsulation of flavor or odor enhancers), food pack-
aging (pathogen, gas, or abuse sensors), and nutrient supplements (nutraceuticals
with higher stabilities and bioavailabilities), among others; this is depicted in
Fig. 5.1 .
Fig. 5.1 Nanotechnology has applications in all areas within food science, from agriculture to
food processing, security, packaging, nutrition, and neutraceuticals (Duncan 2011 ). Reproduced
by permission of Elsevier
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