Applications and Safety of Nanomaterials Used in the Food Industry

Abstract

A survey by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), in 2008, has revealed that more than 80 nanomaterial-containing food and drink items were available for consumption around the world at that time, and estimated that the Japanese market for nanomaterial-containing food could reach 250 billion yen in 2030. Potential uses of nanotechnology have been identified in almost all segments of the industry, including the following four key areas: agriculture, nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals, food processing, and food packaging. Despite a rapid development of its use in the food sector, little is known about the in vivo and in vitro kinetics of nanomaterials. Consequently, the risks of nanomaterials have not been analyzed. Nanoparticles are reported to be absorbed across the intestinal barrier via transcellular, paracellular, and junctional pathways, but the bioavailability of each material may be different due to different effects of various factors. Questions about these compounds already raised safety concerns, although the history of their use in the food sector is yet short. In this review, we overview the currently available information regarding the safety of the three main nanomaterials used in the food industry to provide the scientific basis for the risk assessments that are necessary for the development and safe use of nanomaterials in the food sector.

An Overview of the Applications of Nanomaterials and Nanodevices in the Food Industry

“…As is well known, the use of various nanomaterials in the food industry has numerous advantages; however, at the same time, they also pose serious threats to human health, the environment, and other ecosystems due to their cytotoxic effects [219][220][221][222][223][224][225][226][227][228]. Some serious concerns have arisen recently regarding the use of nanomaterials, even those with no toxic element in their composition, but they have an inherent potential risk due to their small size and subcellular interaction with cells [229].…”

The Potential Application of Nanoparticles on Grains during Storage: Part 1 – An Overview of Inhibition against Fungi and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis

“…Inorganic NPs have attracted the attention of researchers in the last two decades due to their multiple antimicrobial activities (antifungal or antiviral) coupled with the pronouncement from Food Safety Authority that these NPs are safe and do not affect humans/consumers in any way [151][152][153]. Silver, silica, and titanium dioxide NPs are the main NPs used in the agri-food industries [154].…”

The Potential Application of Nanoparticles on Grains during Storage: Part 2 – An Overview of Inhibition against Fungi and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis

“…According to Higashisaka et al [213], NPs with diameters ≤100 nm are presently been used in various applications, including food production (e.g., to improve texture). An orally ingested NP can cross the gastrointestinal barrier, absorbed into the blood, and alter normal physiological functions, thus causing adverse health is to consumer(s) [213,214]. Ezhkov and colleagues reported acute catarrhal inflammation on esophagus, stomach, and duodenum of mice fed with sapropel-NPs at a dose of 1.8 g/kg.…”