Advances in Nanotechnology as Applied to Food Systems

Abstract

The emergence of nanotechnology in food technology is having an impact in several application areas, such as functional food delivery systems, packaging applications, and food safety. Advances in nanostructure fabrication techniques allow food scientists and food technologists to manipulate and navigate the novel and interesting functionalities of foods at the nanoscale that can lead to safe foods with better health benefits and stability that are environmentally sustainable. This chapter summarizes selected studies from the food nanotechnology literature, including our own laboratory, focusing on nanostructured materials, nanoencapsulation and nanoemulsion forming technology for delivery systems, and the application of microfluidic devices for food safety and food analysis.