Nanomaterials in food and agriculture: An overview on their safety concerns and regulatory issues

Abstract

Nanotechnology has seen exponential growth in last decade due to its unique physicochemical properties; however, the risk associated with this emerging technology has withdrawn ample attention in the past decade. Nanotoxicity is majorly contributed to the small size and large surface area of nanomaterials, which allow easy dispersion and invasion of anatomical barriers in human body. Unique physio-chemical properties of nanoparticles make the investigation of their toxic consequences intricate and challenging. This makes it important to have an in-depth knowledge of different mechanisms involved in nanomaterials's action and toxicity. Nano-toxicity has various effects on human health and diseases as they can easily enter into the humans via different routes, mainly respiratory, dermal, and gastrointestinal routes. This also limits the use of nanomaterials as therapeutic and diagnostic tools. This review focuses on the nanomaterial-cell interactions leading to toxicological responses. Different mechanisms involved in nanoparticle-mediated toxicity with the main focus on oxidative stress, genotoxic, and carcinogenic potential has also been discussed. Different methods and techniques used for the characterization of nanomaterials in food and other biological matrices have also been discussed in detail. Nano-toxicity on different organs-with the major focus on the cardiac and respiratory system-have been discussed. Conclusively, the risk management of nanotoxicity is also summarized. This review provides a better understanding of the current scenario of the nanotoxicology, disease progression due to nanomaterials, and their use in the food industry and medical therapeutics. Briefly, the required rules, regulations, and the need of policy makers has been discussed critically.

Genotoxicity, biochemical, and biodistribution studies of magnesium oxide nano and microparticles in albino wistar rats after 28‐day repeated oral exposure

“…In this study, we have investigated several oxidative stress parameters such as MDA, LDH, GSH, and CAT in liver and kidney homogenates of MgO NPs and MPs treated rats. Interactions of NPs with proteins and enzymes may have resulted in the production of ROS due to interference with antioxidant defenses leading to induction of oxidative stress . This study illustrates that a significant increase in MDA and LDH and depletion in GSH and CAT levels was observed in the tissue homogenates at a high dose of NPs indicating free radical generation.…”

Potential uses of LF‐NMR and MRI in the study of water dynamics and quality measurement of fruits and vegetables

“…Techniques quantify tissue integrity variations due to processing permit prediction of the quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables (Possas et al, 2018) since the disruption level of cellular structure has an influence on the stability, safety, and quality of food. As such, further quantitative techniques are required in fruits and vegetables sector (Jain, Ranjan, Dasgupta, & Ramalingam, 2018).…”

Nanotechnology towards prevention of anaemia and osteoporosis: from concept to market

“…Nanoparticles have distinct properties from corresponding bulk particles, such as surface characteristics, physicochemical properties and crystal structure. Hence the distinct toxicity of nanoparticles [103,104]. There are various ways of entry of nanoparticles into the human body, such as Figure 5.…”