Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
compounds, could be used against pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, small
interfering RNA (siRNA) has a huge potential to halt most diseases and may be
used to disrupt the pathogenic processes of a specific microorganism (Rajam
2012
).
Despite some limitations, significant advances in the development of nanoparticles
to transport siRNA have been described (Gao et al.
2010
; Tam et al.
2013
). This
would permit an adequate siRNA delivery at infection points, targeting known
genes of the microorganism involved in pathogenesis.
The application of nanotechnology in agriculture and food production may
represent several benefits to improve productivity and safety against microbial
contaminants. Intensive research has been devoted to improve delivery of nutrients,
pesticides, herbicides, and food preservatives through nanotechnological
approaches. However, some challenges need to be considered, in particular regard-
ing risk assessments in the areas of health and environmental and socioeconomic
impacts (Coles and Frewer
2013
). Despite many natural nanomaterials have been
safely used in traditional foods, nano-engineered materials may present specific
health and/or environmental risks. A major point is associated with the poor
scientific knowledge on the key factors needed for risk assessment, such as toxicity
of nanoparticles, bioaccumulation, oral exposure, or the risks by ingestion. It seems
therefore that additional efforts must be conducted to improve scientific research on
nanotoxicology and to ensure adequate regulations for food products and crops
produced using nanotechnology.
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