Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Food Technology

Food and AgricultureBioengineering

“Green Science”

From fish to fungus, trees to turnips, potatoes to paper, green nanobiotechnology (science related to the raising of plants and animals to produce food, feed, fiber or fuel) is about more than pesticides and genetic engineering.

http://en.epochtimes.com/news/6-2-15/38219.html

http://www.kjbeath.com.au/photos/fungi%202/Pages/Red_Fungus.html

How can small science have such a big impact?

How can small science have such a big impact?

How Big Is Nano?

http://www.terressentials.com/exposure.html

This is one nanometer!

http://www.nano.gov/html/facts/The_scale_of_things.html

Where is Nanoscience in Agriculture and Food Science?

image from : http://members.ift.org/NR/rdonlyres/5F641E00-290A-4EB0-93D7-C02171FF5D17/0/1203moraru.pdf

Areas of Nanoscience Research Areas of Nanoscience Research in Agriculture and Food Sciencein Agriculture and Food Science

1. Pathogen, (something that can cause a disease), and contaminant detection 2.    Tracking crops and products 3.    Nanodevices for molecular and cell biology4.    Nanoscale materials science and engineering5.    Environmental issues and agricultural waste6.    Educating the public and future workforce

On the next few pages we’ll look at nanoscience research in some of these areas.

http://www.lowimpactliving.com/pages/newsletters/newsletter-green-certifications

1.    Pathogen and Contaminant Detection

Or sensors which can slow decomposition and detect pathogens before your nose does.

http://64.202.120.86/upload/image/news/stopping-the-bacteria-from-talking/stopping-the-bacteria1-.jpg

Imagine using nanotechnology to create self-healing materials or coatings that can modify agricultural materials or packaging to prevent microbial contamination;

Eat ‘em Up, Then…

The tiny pathogens (germs) get confused and bind to the particles instead of real cells, then “flush” - out they go through the digestive system—keeping chickens safer and healthier for human consumption.

If it works on chickens, who’s next?http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4270075.html

Researchers are experimenting with new pathogen-disabling nanoparticles to keep chickens healthy. Nano particles are added to feed and mimic cell surfaces inside the chicken.

Hand-Helds

http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/ng.asp?n=72578-nano-pathogens-sensor

http://www.thedarwinpapers.com/oldsite/number6/Number6_files/inspect1.gif

On the other hand, scientists are working on a simple inexpensive hand-held instrument that can detect bacteria in 15 minutes using nanotechnology.

2.    Tracking Crops and

Products

Traceable nanotags and food quality sensors could

Improve food quality, taste and nutritional value

Preserve foods and extend nutritional stability

http://nano.foe.org.au/image/view/222

Food Poisoning

scientists are eager to develop nanosized geotracers that enable users to locate precisely the origin of agricultural products.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-02/ir-tfp020706.php

http://www.braintree.gov.uk/Braintree/environment/food/Food+Poisoning.htm

http://www.nfis.com.au/foodbiz/Dec2005/images/food_cafe420.jpg

In the wake of widespread food poisoning scares in spinach, tomatoes, cilantro, and peppers,

3.    Nanoscience in Molecular and Cell Biology

Develop surfaces that select, reject or bond to molecules based on nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is making revolutionary changes within cells which will improve agriculture and the food industry in amazing ways.

Develop better soil additives, fertilizers, pesticides, and soil conditioners.

And…

Explore more efficient methods of molecular modification.

http://www.jnjgateway.com/home.jhtml?loc=USENG&page=viewContent&contentId=09008b9880ec8e18&parentId=09008b9880ec8c7

http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17578&ch=nanotech

Identify new agriculturally-derived molecules for industrial and biomedical applications.

Healthy, Yet Tasty, Donuts?

• By using water instead of oil in foods to reduce fat,

Wow! I’m really interested in that nanotechnology!

•And creating textures that feel like high fat foods in your mouth.

With the help of nanoscience, some foods might be taken off of the ‘no-no’ list:

http://www.isrealli.org/another-reason-to-trash-junk-food/

No Kidding?

Mask unwanted odors and flavors.

http://nyc.metblogs.com/archives/images/2007/01/smelly.bmp

http://www.amazon.com/Eat-delicious-desirable-successful-packaging/dp/288046773X

Make food packaging edible. Picture that!

Let’s Have Some Ice Cream!

Not only is nanotechnology allowing oil to be replaced by water to make foods, like ice cream, healthier. It is also developing low fat ice creams by decreasing the size of the emulsion particles that give ice-cream its texture. Using up to 90% less of the emulsion and decrease fat content from 16% to about 1%!

http://www.mylilypads.com/images/products/me-bath-ice-cream.jpg

Eat Less, Gain More…Nutrients!

Some food and beverage products utilize nanosized-encapsulation to make the nutrients more easily absorbed by the organism (increase uptake).

http://www.nutralease.com/company.asp

Save Energy, Last Longer

Nanoscience can reduce oil use in all types of restaurants, including all fast food establishments, by half. As a result of the large surface area at the nanoscale, it can extend the useful life span of the oil and it heats up more quickly which reduces the energy required for cooking.

http://files.nanobio-raise.org/Downloads/nfnaf.pdf

http://www.oilfresh.com/of1000.html

http://www.comesatradehub.com/images/products/8039972186.jpg

image: http://nanopedia.case.edu/NWPage.php?page=nanoagriculture

4. Nanoscale Materials Science and Engineering

Nanomaterials

Conducting research to better understand the mechanics of nanomaterials such as self-assembly, like the self-assembled capsule on the right.

Engineering and materials science at the nanoscale is also improving agriculture and the food industry:

http://nanotechnologytoday.blogspot.com/2008/04/self-assembled-materials-form-mini-stem.htm l

Developing nanomaterials using DNA as a building block, like DNA nanowires, DNA-microelectronic hybrids, bioseparation and biofilms.

5.     Environmental Issues and Agricultural Waste

Understanding the role of nanoparticles Understanding the role of nanoparticles (inorganic and organic) in the movement (inorganic and organic) in the movement and uptake of nutrients and pollutants;and uptake of nutrients and pollutants;

And the movement and toxicity And the movement and toxicity of nanoparticles in agricultural of nanoparticles in agricultural pollution (dust, feedlot runoff); pollution (dust, feedlot runoff);

Reducing or converting animal Reducing or converting animal or plant waste into useful products.or plant waste into useful products.

Agriculture is utilizing nanotechnology as it works toward the following solutions:

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http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/51200D74-A40B-4104-AE7E-BD2FED5F6A0E/0/pollution.jpeg

Nanoscience Reducing Emissions

Nanoscience is also helping agriculture and the food industry reduce emissions from production operations.

Nanoscience Reducing Waste

Understanding the role of nanoparticles in the global carbon cycle.

Designing and developing reusable nanomaterials, such as nanocatalysts, that help reduce waste materials.

Nanotechnology Conserving Water

Understanding the role of nanoparticles in soil’s water retention.

More Nanoscience Help for Soil

Create ammonia needed in fertilizer.

Create artificial iron in water. Prevent erosion with soil

binders that hold soils together.

http://www.rpi.edu/dept/chem-eng/Biotech-Environ/LEACH/heap.htm

Clean soils using nanoparticles in water that clean the soil as they pass through it.

Fewer Pesticides With Nanotechnology

In the near future nanostructured catalysts will be available which will increase the efficiency of pesticides and herbicides, allowing lower doses to be used.

In the near future nanostructured catalysts will be available which will increase the efficiency of pesticides and herbicides, allowing lower doses to be used.

http://files.nanobio-raise.org/Downloads/nfnaf.pdf

http://www.rsc.org/images/pesticide-300_tcm18-60750.jpg

Did We Mention?

Enhance photosynthesis,

And improve germination. Read more about it by clicking here.

Materials science and engineering also uses nanoscience to

http://www.laudu.realtownblogs.com/uploads/_seed_CORB2017.JPG

http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/staff/lackey/pubs/S_I_FIG5.jpg

http://iramis.cea.fr/en/meetings/2008TheorieIRAMIS/programme.php

Another Kind of Agriculture Uses Nanoscience

Improve fishing practices, breeding and antibiotics.

Remove contaminants from water.

Going to the Nano-Market

Nanofood market

– $2.6 billion 2004

– $7.0 billion 2006

– Projected $20.4 billion 2010

Helmut Kaiser Consultancy NWFPA 2007 Expo, Portland OR

200 companies are currently engaged in nanoproduction, but only a handful of nano food products are market-available now. I wonder what nano food will be on your plate first?

6. Yummy AND Healthy

Nanotechnology can provide foods that look and taste better, are more nutritious and safer than what we eat today.  Nanoscience is also working to

Educate the public, Develop regulations to manage and

monitor nanotechnology developments in the food industry.

http://www.azonano.com/Industries.asp http://www.nanotechforest.org/dwnlds/Nano%20Workshop_Nano-Art%5B1%5D.ppt#357,13,Slide 13    http://nanoandcommodities.wordpress.com/tag/agricultural-and-food-commodities/agricultural-inputs-for-nanotechnology/http://www.azonano.com/SearchResults.aspIndKeyWord=Agriculture+forestry+and+fishinghttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VHY-4KFV3B4-2&_user=443835&_coverDate=10%2F31%2F2006&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000020958&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=443835&md5=5e50b64c59ca42a1e93b103b33d783a1  

Image: http://tiki.oneworld.net/food/food_home.html

Social, Environmental and Ethical Concerns

 1. Might these nanotechnology developments in

agriculture and food technology infringe on human rights? 

2. Could any of them decrease privacy of individuals? 

3. Could the use of nanotechnology for agriculture have unwanted and negative environmental effects?

4. What economic impact could the use of nanotechnology in agriculture have on farmers, consumers, and other industries? Might they be negative or positive?

What About Your Rights?

If so, are these developmentsmore important than •Your privacy?  •Your rights as a citizen?  •Your rights as a human being? Are the answers somewhere in between?

http://www.info4security.com/Pictures/web/w/v/m/iStock_Law.jpg

Planning Your Presentation

http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/02/15/PH2007021502068.jpg

http://www.presentationalspeaking.com/images/pic_2.jpg

To prepare for your presentation, answer these questions using reference materials which can include the websites linked to this webquest:

1. What can be done to maximize the chances that humans will benefit from, rather than be harmed by these new developments?

2. If we can develop these technologies, should we? Why?

Agricultural Websites

These are websites which are a good place to start in These are websites which are a good place to start in looking for more information on nanotechnology in the looking for more information on nanotechnology in the agriculture.  You may also wish to use the general website agriculture.  You may also wish to use the general website page linked at the bottom of this page. It is full of page linked at the bottom of this page. It is full of nanotechnology sites related to multiple areas including nanotechnology sites related to multiple areas including yours.  After exhausting these resources you may also yours.  After exhausting these resources you may also wish to use your search engine and appropriate key words wish to use your search engine and appropriate key words and phrases to find more information. and phrases to find more information.

http://www.nano-and-society.org/commentaries/commentary_willow02.html

www.euronanotrade.com/news/Sources_of_Information.doc

These are websites which are a good place to start in These are websites which are a good place to start in looking for more information on nanotechnology in the looking for more information on nanotechnology in the agriculture.  You may also wish to use the general website agriculture.  You may also wish to use the general website page linked at the bottom of this page. It is full of page linked at the bottom of this page. It is full of nanotechnology sites related to multiple areas including nanotechnology sites related to multiple areas including yours.  After exhausting these resources you may also yours.  After exhausting these resources you may also wish to use your search engine and appropriate key words wish to use your search engine and appropriate key words and phrases to find more information. and phrases to find more information.

http://www.nano-and-society.org/commentaries/commentary_willow02.html

www.euronanotrade.com/news/Sources_of_Information.doc

General Nanoscience Links

 

More HelpMore Help

If you would like help breaking down If you would like help breaking down your research into steps, click on the your research into steps, click on the help button for an outline.help button for an outline.

http://www.nanotechproject.org/index.php?id=44&action=view&dbq=food http://www.nanotechproject.org/index.php?id=44&action=view&product_id=1290 http://nanotechwire.com/news.asp?nid=4556 http://www.azonano.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1316 ‘Down on the Farm: the Impact of Nano-Scale Technologies on Food and Agriculture’, ETC Group Report, November 2004. http://www.azonano.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1315http://www.azonano.com/Industries.asp http://www.nanotechforest.org/dwnlds/Nano%20Workshop_Nano-Art%5B1%5D.ppt#357,13,Slide13     http://nanoandcommodities.wordpress.com/tag/agricultural-and-food-commodities/agricultural-inputs-for-nanotechnology/http://www.azonano.com/SearchResults.aspIndKeyWord=Agriculture+forestry+and+fishinghttp://nsrg.neu.edu/resources/regulatory_capacity/documents/NanoAgFood.pdf Science and Engineering 2003 Reportimage: http://nanopedia.case.edu/NWPage.php?page=nanoagriculture http://www.nanotechforest.org/dwnlds/Nano%20Agriculture%20roadmap.pdf http://www.nwfpa.org/eweb/docs/Doc-to-pdf/ExpoPage/PowellNWFPA2007.pdf