Nanotechnology for Food Applications: More Questions Than Answers

摘要: This article highlights the scientific evidence to date on a variety of nanotechnology issues important consumers with focus food applications. Nanotechnology is technology at atomic or macromolecular levels scale approximately 1-100 nm. There are unlimited potential applications for food, dietary supplements and contact materials. However, there more questions than answers about safety risks nanotechnology, its environmental, health other impacts, costs benefits. Benefits will likely be specific nanomaterials used, application conditions (e.g., temperature). ********** purposeful manipulation engineering atoms molecules nanoscale so that familiar materials have new often unique properties behavioral traits can used in Nanomaterials designed least one dimension (length, width, height) The size small it 1/100,000 typical sheet paper 1/80,000 human hair. length, width height known as nanoparticles. Nanotechnology, almost limitless range novel applications, has been promoted by some driving spark next industrial revolution (Priestly, Harford, Sim 2007). For example, scientists manipulate silver create nanosilver, which potent antimicrobial beneficial many including refrigerators embedded nanosilver. Although nano-sized particles occur nature, such lactose whey proteins found milk, here those purposely manipulated engineered focuses foods (with nano-ingredients additives), nutritional Here, include produce, package, store, handle serve comes may come into food. As first examination Journal Consumer Affairs, this contributes broader understanding associated openly discussing these using balanced information findings non-technical language. Because science marketing nanotechnologies evolving rapid pace, aim present current way addresses series consumers, industry, policymakers others United States become increasingly developed commercialized. These were chosen highlight key particular interest consumers. from technology, consumer acceptance legal regulatory oversight food-related nanotechnology. rapidly emerging field, most expansion occurring past decade. In 1997, worldwide research development was estimated $432 million, but 2005, amount rose ninefold around $4.1 billion (Roco 2005a). Institute Food Science Technology (2006) estimates 200 companies involved identifies States, Japan China world leaders European Union another leader agriculture According Chaudhry et al. (2008), market-analysis report Cientifica 400 2006. 1996, Working Group international market products incorporating would reach $1 trillion 2015 2005b). …