Nanotechnology has developed as one of the most ground-breaking scientific fields in the last few decades since it exploits the enhanced reactivity of materials at the atomic scale . The current classification of nanoparticles (NPs) used in foods is outlined in relation to their production and physicochemical characteristics. This review aims at presenting concisely the most popular and widely used inorganic and organic NPs in food industries. Considering that the toxicity of NPs is often associated with their chemical reactivity, a series of in vitro toxicity studies are also summarised, integrating information on the type of NP studies and reported specifications, type of cells used, exposure conditions and assessed endpoints. The important role of the digestive system in the absorption and distribution of nano-formulated foods within the body is affecting the resultant cytotoxicity. Examples of how nano particles and their accumulation within different organs are presented in relation to the consumption of specific foods. Finally, the role of developing human health risk assessments in order to characterise both the potential impact of the hazard and the likelihood or level of human exposure is outlined. Uncertainties exist around risk assessment and exposure assessment of NPs due to limited information on several aspects, including toxicity, behaviour and bioaccumulation. Overall, this review presents current trends and needs for future assessments in toxicity evaluation to ensure the safe application of nanoparticles in the food industry.
Herein, an experimental investigation of an accordion‐like system with embedded magnetic inclusion is carried out. It is shown that the way that this structure deforms when subjected to an external magnetic field depends on the magnetic moment of the embedded magnets and the length of the arms. Stacking of the accordion‐like system leads to the formation of hexagonal honeycombs that can have a negative, zero, and positive Poisson's ratio. Variation in the configuration attained depends on the relative positioning of the magnetic inclusion and the applied magnetic field. In particular, one of the hexagonal honeycomb arrangements is able to switch between a conventional and a re‐entrant configuration upon the reversal of the external magnetic field. For all structures considered, the dimensions can be controlled through the external magnetic field, allowing for a high degree of turnability. Furthermore, their behavior can be altered in real time. The practical implications of the results are of interest since they indicate that these structures can be adopted in numerous applications, such in the design of scaffoldings for deployable structures, actuators, variable pored sieves, and sound proofing systems.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.