Implications of nanotechnology for the agri-food industry: Opportunities, benefits and risks
Abstract
Nanotechnology has emerged as a technological advancement that could develop and transform the entire agri-food sector, with the potential to increase agricultural productivity, food security and economic growth for industries. Though as still a relatively new concept there are concerns over its safety, regulation and acceptance by the industry and consumers. This review set out to address the implications of nanotechnology for the agri-food industry by examining the potential benefits, risks and opportunities. Existing scientific gaps in knowledge are believed to be a prohibitive factor in addition to uncertainties in the level of awareness and attitudes towards the use of nanotechnology by the industry.
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A number of engineered nanoparticles have already been developed for a variety of applications in the food sector.
“A number of engineered nanoparticles have been already developed for a variety of applications in the food sector”
From Emerging trends in European food, diets and food industry (2018) · cites this paper as Handford et al., 2014
Most potential nanotechnology applications in the food sector are still at the early stage of product development.
“most of potential nanotechnology applications in the food sector are still at the early stage of product development”
From Emerging trends in European food, diets and food industry (2018) · cites this paper as Handford et al., 2014
Engineered nanoparticles are expected to provide a range of important benefits in the food sector, including sensory improvements, increased absorption of nutrients, stabilization of bioactive compounds, extended product shelf-life, and quality and safety monitoring.
“they are expected to provide a range of important benefits including sensory improvements, increased absorption of nutrients, stabilization of bioactive compounds, extended product shelf-life, quality and safety monitoring”
From Emerging trends in European food, diets and food industry (2018) · cites this paper as Handford et al., 2014
Toxicity is specific for different nanoparticles.
“toxicity is specific for different nanoparticles”
From Emerging trends in European food, diets and food industry (2018) · cites this paper as Handford et al., 2014
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Emerging trends in European food, diets and food industry
Santeramo, F. G., Carlucci, D., De Devitiis, B., Seccia, A., Stasi, A., Viscecchia, R., & Nardone, G. (2018) · Food Research International · doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2017.10.039 · Cited by 231 · see citing works
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- Authors
- Handford, C. E., Dean, M., Henchion, M., Spence, M., Elliott, C. T., & Campbell, K.
- Affiliations
- Queen's University Belfast (GB)
- Teagasc - The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (IE)
- Corresponding author
- Campbell, Katrina
- Venue
- Trends in Food Science & Technology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2014-12
- Volume
- 40
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 226-241
- ISSN
- 0924-2244 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2041486600
- Cited by
- 215
- References
- 60
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 24 · 2020: 20 · 2019: 22 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 26 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 13
- FWCI
- 9.52
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Trends in Food Science & Technology (publishedVersion)
- Research Portal (Queen's University Belfast) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Nanotechnology research and applications
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Polymer-Based Agricultural Enhancements
- Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Materials Chemistry › Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications
- Keywords
- nanotechnology, agri-food industry, food security, agricultural productivity, nanotechnology safety, nanotechnology regulation, consumer acceptance, research gaps
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