Relevance of Nanotechnology in Food Processing Industries

Introduction Nanotechnology is an applied science involving the engineering of very small systems and structures. According to the EU definition, a " nanomaterial " is composed of particles whose size is in the range 1-100 nm for at least 50% of total. This size range is imposed by several organizations, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) [1]. Nanostructures are the smallest solid possible to be made and are intermediate between isolated atoms or molecules and macroscopic matter. At the 1-100 nm size scale the matter offers physical and chemical properties different from the macroscopic level. Therefore, nanotechnology works with materials in nanometric scale to confer them new properties. The techniques used to reduce particle size so as to obtain nanostructures are, among others, low flow injection, precipitation by antisolvents, and evaporation. Hence, nanotechnology is a set of technologies that allows the manipulation, study or exploitation of very small structures and systems. The rapid development of nanotechnology is encouraged by an evolving scenario for unearthing, classifying, and releasing nanoscale materials and knowledge in a multidisciplinary frame. Nanoscale devices have been applied to biotechnology, information technologies, and cognitive sciences. In addition, nanotechnology displays a great potential in the agricultural and food industry, where it can play a key role in the controlled release of herbicides and fertilizers, as well as in food processing and packaging, and for raising the overall level of food safety. Nanotechnology allows innovating the formulation of agrochemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, veterinary medicines), and allow developing nanomaterials able to enhance pest management and crop protection due to improved effectiveness, better bio accessibility of active ingredients, and controlled release [2]. Nanotechnology in food industries is expected to bring innovation in three forms: i) by the set up of innovative process enablers, such as nanoencapsulated materials and biopolymers; ii) by means of new packaging polymers and composites; iii) by