Roles of Nanotechnology for Effcient Nutrient Delivery of Foods

Abstract

Nanotechnology involves the use of materials in the nanoscale for different purposes. Applications of nanotechnology in food science and food industry is a fast growing area nowadays. These applications involves the use of nanomaterials in food coatings to protect the food from moisture and microorganisms, the use of stronger flavors and coloring nanomaterials to improve the appearance and taste of food, to facilitate delivery of nutrients and most widely the nanometerials are used in packaging of food. Despite the advance in the applications of nanotechnology of food, still large number of publics refuse to use such processed food especially that there are few studies on the safety and toxicity of such products. In our chapter we will have an overview on food grade and non-food grade nanoparticles that are used for nutraceutical delivery in addition to the health hazards related to nanomaterials.