Nanotechnology in the Agri-Food Sector: Implications for the Future offers a basic foundation of knowledge on the topic and allows a more in-depth look into nanotechnology in the production of food. Coverage includes nanotechnology applications in agri-food areas like: processing and engineering, encapsulation and delivery, packaging, crop protection and disease, food safety and quality, toxicology, regulations, and environmental considerations social.

Nanotechnology in the Agri-Food Sector: Implications for the Future

List of Contributors

Introduction

Lynn Frewer, Arnout Fischer, Willem Norde, and Frans Kampers

Part 1

Fundamentals

Intermolecular Interactions

Willem Norde

Introduction
Water
Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
Dispersion Interaction
Electrostatic Interactions
Steric Interactions Involving Soluble Polymers
Epilogue
Further Reading

Supramolecular Structures

Pieter Stroeve

Introduction
Self-Assembly
Plant Cells
Organized Self-Assembled Structures
Summary
References

Part 2

Basic Applications

Nanotechnology in Food Production

Remko M. Boom

Introduction
Food Production
Nanotechnology and Food
Applications of Nanotechnology in Foods
Concerns about Using Nanotechnology in Food Production
References

Packaging

Frans W.H. Kampers

Introduction
Reasons to Package Food Products
Physical Properties of Packaging Materials
Antimicrobial Functionality
Visual Indicators
Information and Communication Technology
Discussion
References

Using Nanoparticles in Agricultural and Food Diagnostics

Geertruida A. Posthuma-Trumpie and Aart van Amerongen

Introduction
Biosensors
Transduction Principles
Examples of Biosensors in Which Nanoparticles Are Being Used
Future Prospects
References

Part 3

Food Applications

Nano-Functionalized Techniques in Crop and Livestock Production: Improving Food Productivity, Traceability, and Safety

Niall O'Brien and Enda Cummins

Introduction
Sensors
Enzyme Biosensors and Diagnostics
DNA-Based Biosensors and Diagnostics
Radiofrequency Identifi cation (RFID)
Integrated Nanosensor Networks: Detection and Response
Conclusions
References

Nanotechnologies for Improving Food Quality, Safety, and Security

Douglas K.R. Robinson and Mark Morrison

Introduction
Improving Quality, Safety, and Security of Agricultural Production
Improving Quality, Safety, and Security in Food Processing
Improving Quality, Safety, and Security in Packaging and Distribution
Wrapping Up
References

Food Functionality and the Physics of Bionanotechnology: Some Examples and Challenges

Erik van der Linden

Introduction: How Are Foods and Bionanotechnology Related?
Physics and Structures in Food Bionanotechnology
Fibrillar Structures
Plate-Like Structures
Spherically Symmetric Structures
Bicontinuous Structures in Protein–Polysaccharide Systems
Gastronomy and the Nanodomain: Molecular Gastronomy
Conclusions
References

Products and Their Commercialization

Betty Bugusu, Ursula Vanesa Lay Ma, and John D. Floros

Introduction
Investment in Nanotechnology Research
Innovations in Food and Agriculture Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology Commercialization
Current and Emerging Markets
Conclusions
References

Part 4

Nanotechnology and Society

Toxicology of Nanomaterials in Food

Bernadene A. Magnuson and Hans Bouwmeester

Introduction
What Makes Nanomaterials Special?
Characterization of Engineered Nanomaterials
Safety Assessment of Oral-Exposure Engineered Nanomaterials for Food Application
Conclusions
References

Nanomaterials in Food and Food Contact Materials- Potential Implications for Consumer Safety and Regulatory Controls

Qasim Chaudhry, Laurence Castle, and Richard Watkins

Background
Nanomaterials Likely to be Used in Food and Related Applications
Potential Consumer Safety Implications
Current and Projected Applications for Food
Implications for Regulatory Frameworks
Conclusions
References

Environmental Considerations of and Societal Reactions to Nanotechnology in the Food Sector

Michael Siegrist, Bernd Nowack, and Hans Kastenholz

Introduction
Life Cycle of Nanotechnology Food Products
Occurrence of Engineered Nanoparticles in the Environment
How Should Society Deal with Uncertainty?
Conclusions
References

Nanotechnology and Food Allergy

E.N. Clare Mills, Yuri Aleexev, and Alan R. Mackie

Introduction
Molecules in Foods Involved in Triggering Allergies
Food Structure, Processing, and Food Allergy
Impact of Nanoscale Structures on Allergenic Potential of Foods
Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References

Communication of Risks and Benefits of Nanotechnology: the Issue of Societal Acceptance of Emerging Technologies

Lynn J. Frewer, Arnout R.H. Fischer, and J.(Hans)C.M. van Trijp

Introduction
Science and Society: Lessons for Nanotechnology Applied to Food Production
A Short Introduction to the Psychology of Risk–Benefit Perception
How do People Form Perceptions of New Technologies
Nanotechnology Communication in the Business Context
Conclusion
References

Public Engagement with Emerging Issues in Agri-Food Nanotechnology

Lynn J. Frewer, Arnout R.H. Fischer, and Gene Rowe

Introduction
What Is "Public Engagement"?
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Public and Stakeholder Engagement
Public Engagement Examples
Recommendations for Conducting Public Engagement and Public Consultation Exercises
Appendix
Glossary
References

Nano-Ethics

Roger Strand

Introduction: Historical Background
Identifying and Avoiding Unethical Nanotechnological Products
Ensuring Ethical Nanotechnological Research, Innovation, and Production
Nano-Ethics as the Question of the Good Nanotechnology Society
Conclusion: The Ethical Challenge Ahead for the Nano-Agri-Food Sector
Acknowledgments
References

Evolving Best Practice in Governance Policy- Developing Consumer Confidence in Risk Analysis Applied to Emerging Technologies

Hans J.P. Marvin, Hans Bouwmeester, Gijs A. Kleter, Lynn J. Frewer, and Meike T.A. Wentholt

Introduction
Introduction to Food Safety Governance
Potential Innovations to the Risk Analysis Framework as Proposed by SAFE FOODS
Risk Analysis and Nanotechnology
Recommendations

Acknowledgments
References
Index

Publish Date: 2011
Format: 10" x 7" hardcover
Pages: 328
Publication Weight: 3 lbs