Functionality and Applications of Nanostrucutured Materials

Selected applications of nanotechnology in the food industry are discussed below. These include advances in (a) nanosensors and nanotracers, (b) food packaging and edible coatings, and (c) encapsulated food components. There are also other applications and further information is available in a number of reviews (Chaudhry et ah, 2008 Moraru et al., 2003 Sanguansri and Augustin, 2006 Weiss et al., 2006). 

Nanosensors may be used as rapid detectors to quickly identify threats in the case of suspected food poisoning, or integrated into packaging. Rapid detection of toxins and microorganisms is critical for the survival of 

TABLE 5.6 Nanosensor devices based on molecular recognition0 

Molecular recognition Transducer parameters Detector Result display 

Animal and Electrical Quartz crystal Liquid crystal 

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