Nanotech in Food, Beverage and
Related Packaging.
Applications and Markets to 2015
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1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 6
2 NANO IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES ................................................................... 8
2.1 Foods, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and their Packaging ........................................................ 8
2.2 Smart Packaging ..................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.1 An Overview of Smart Packaging - ‘Active’ and ‘Intelligent’ ............................................ 11
2.2.2 Applications of Nanotechnology in Active and Intelligent Packaging .............................. 13
3 KEY NANOTECHNOLOGIES IN FOODS AND PACKAGING ......................................................... 16
3.1 NANOPARTICLES .................................................................................................................... 18
3.1.1 The Market for Nanoparticles ........................................................................................... 18
3.1.2 Key Players in Manufacturers and End Users ................................................................... 19
3.1.3 Key Players in Nanomaterials suppliers ............................................................................ 19
3.2 NANOCOMPOSITES AND PACKAGING ................................................................................... 20
3.2.1 Market for nanocomposites ............................................................................................. 20
3.2.2 Key players ........................................................................................................................ 22
3.2.2.1 Nanocomposites suppliers ..................................................................................... 22
3.3 NANOCAPSULES ..................................................................................................................... 23
3.3.1 Market for nanocapsules .................................................................................................. 23
3.3.2 Key players ........................................................................................................................ 25
3.3.2.1 Manufacturers and End Users ................................................................................ 25
3.4 NANOPOROUS MATERIALS .................................................................................................... 26
3.4.1.1 Application manufacturers ..................................................................................... 28
3.5 NANO FILMS AND COATINGS ................................................................................................. 29
3.5.1 Market for Nanocoatings .................................................................................................. 29
4 THE MARKET FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY IN FOOD AND DRINK ................................................. 31
4.1 Nanotechnology in food production ...................................................................................... 31
4.2 Food processing and safety ................................................................................................... 33
4.3 Food packaging ...................................................................................................................... 34
4.4 Key applications and market opportunities to 2015 ............................................................. 36
4.5 Global market for nano-enabled food and beverage packaging ................................................. 36
4.5 Market for nanomaterials in food and drink ......................................................................... 41
4.6 Nanosensors ........................................................................................................................... 41
4.7 Nanoencapsulation ................................................................................................................ 42
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4.8 Nanocoatings ......................................................................................................................... 43
4.9 Nanocomposites .................................................................................................................... 45
4.10 Nanoporous membranes ....................................................................................................... 46
4.11 Key Players ............................................................................................................................. 47
5 TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS: PROCESSING AND SAFETY ........................................................... 48
5.1 Aquamarijn Micro Filtration bv .............................................................................................. 50
5.2 Cornell University, Department of Textiles and Apparel ....................................................... 50
5.3 Iota NanoSolutions Limited .................................................................................................... 51
5.4 Nanopool GmbH .................................................................................................................... 51
5.5 Leatherhead Food International Ltd ...................................................................................... 51
5.6 Nano Hygiene Coatings Limited ............................................................................................. 52
5.7 Nanosens ................................................................................................................................ 52
5.8 Protista International AB........................................................................................................ 53
5.9 University of Glasgow, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering ..................... 53
5.10 University of London, Queen Mary, Department of Materials .............................................. 54
5.11 University of Melbourne, Particulate Fluids Processing Group ............................................. 54
5.12 University of Surrey, School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences ..................................... 55
5.13 University of Twente, Faculty of Science & Technology ........................................................ 55
5.14 University of Wales Bangor, The Institute for Bioelectronic and Molecular
Microsystems ..................................................................................................................................... 56
6 TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS: PACKAGING ................................................................................ 58
6.1 Antaria Limited ....................................................................................................................... 60
6.2 Crown Bio Technology Limited .............................................................................................. 61
6.3 CVD Technologies Limited ..................................................................................................... 61
6.4 EVAL ....................................................................................................................................... 62
6.5 Ingenia Technology Limited ................................................................................................... 62
6.6 InMat ...................................................................................................................................... 62
6.7 Nano Scale Surface Systems, Inc. ........................................................................................... 63
6.8 NGF Europe ............................................................................................................................ 63
6.9 nGimat.................................................................................................................................... 63
6.10 PChem Associates .................................................................................................................. 64
6.11 New Jersey Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Environmental
Sciences .............................................................................................................................................. 64
6.12 Pennsylvania State University, Food Science Department .................................................... 65
6.13 Umicore Nanomaterials ......................................................................................................... 65
6.14 University of South Carolina, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry ............................. 65
6.15 University of California Berkeley, EECS .................................................................................. 66
6.16 University of Strathclyde, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry ................................ 66
7 TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS: DELIVERY AND RELEASE .............................................................. 68
7.1 AC Serendip Limited ............................................................................................................... 69
7.2 Aquanova ............................................................................................................................... 69
7.3 Nanomi B.V. ........................................................................................................................... 70
7.4 Nutralease .............................................................................................................................. 70
7.5 RBC Life Sciences .................................................................................................................... 70
7.6 Salvona Technologies ............................................................................................................. 71
7.7 Vivamer .................................................................................................................................. 73
8 REGULATIONS AND CONSUMER SAFETY ............................................................................... 73
8.1 The USA .................................................................................................................................. 74
8.2 The UK .................................................................................................................................... 76
8.2.1 UK Food Safety Agency research projects. ....................................................................... 77
8.2.2 Nanotechnologies and Food Discussion Group. ............................................................... 77
8.2.3 Consumer engagement and public attitudes ........................................................................ 78
8.3 Europe .................................................................................................................................... 78
8.3.1 Risk assessment guidance. ................................................................................................ 78
8.3.2 Approach to Regulation by the European Food Safety Authority .................................... 79
8.4 Further reading: ..................................................................................................................... 80
9 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ........................................................................................................... 82
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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1 INTRODUCTION Through the exploitation of new functionalities, nanotechnologies can help solve some of the
key challenges facing industry and society today. Nanoscale technology is not new, indeed some
companies have been exploiting what we now call nanomaterials for over 100 years, and
polymer scientists, for example, consider colloid science as a nanoscale technology. What is new
is an improved understanding of what happens at the nanoscale, achieved through recent
discoveries in measurement and microscopy techniques. This has resulted in a global race to
engineer and exploit these properties in a wide range of market sectors.
Nanotechnology can essentially be described as manipulating the attributes of matter at the
nanoscale to create products with new functionalities at the macroscale. Nanotechnology is not
a market per se, rather, it is an enabling technology for both the development of new
opportunities within existing markets, and the creation of entirely new markets.
Nanoscale materials are defined as having one or more dimensions between ~1nm and 100nm,
and attributes relating to one or more of the specific properties imparted by in the main, high
surface area - and hence high surface activity, and quantum effects becoming dominant (such as
a change in the optical, magnetic, or electrical properties of a material).
Examples of nano applications in relation to the food and beverage industry include
encapsulation to enable improved stability of ingredients and the creation of novel textures and
tastes, engineered nanoparticles for controlled release of scents and flavours, nanostructured
materials for air and water filtration and purification, and nano-modified surfaces offering anti-
bacterial properties and dirt repellency.
Nano materials are generally manufactured using different techniques to those needed for bulk
materials, and generally require new manufacturing processes. To understand the properties of
nanomaterials, and to achieve quality control in their manufacture, new measurement
techniques and tools are also needed. Examples of non-destructive and in-line measurement
techniques that are under development include optical techniques such as polarimetry and
ellipsometry.
At present, there are few industries today currently not affected by the influence of
nanotechnology. In general, it promises more for less - smaller, cheaper, lighter and faster
devices with greater functionality, using fewer raw materials and consuming less energy; it
offers the promise of new business opportunities, new solutions to old problems and societal
benefits for the world at large.
Over the coming years and decades, nanotechnologies are set to make an enormous impact on
the manufacturing and service industries in many areas of life, from medicine to food to energy
generation. Just how large this impact will be is not easily quantifiable, but Lux Research have
placed the worldwide market for nanotechnology–related products at around $300 billion by
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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2015. The market for nano in food products, estimated at US$4 million in 2006, is predicted to
range between US$6 billion by 2012 and >US $20 billion by 20201.
For these predicted benefits to be realised, the products and processes that are renewed or
made possible by nanotechnology will need to reach individual users. This entails a process of
commercialisation, moving from research though to technology development to actual
products. However, there are already at least several hundreds of products on the market based
on nanotechnologies and techniques and / or incorporating nanomaterials and
nanocomposites2, and many more are in the pipeline and can be expected to enter the market
in the near future, so the outlook for nano-based products, and the industries adopting them, is
expected to be rosy.
1 Quoted by Qasim Choudry, CSL in 2009
2 http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/consumer/
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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2 NANO IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES Working at the nanoscale is not new to the food and beverage sector, with various novel nano-
based phenomena already exploited in nutraceutical and functional food formulations,
manufacturing and processing. Colloid science, for example, has been applied to improvements
in the production of foodstuffs for a long time. This is because the components of most foods
and beverages that give them their characteristics are nanoscale in size (dairy products for
example), so in processing them, the manipulation of these ingredients at the nanoscale is to be
expected.
2.1 Foods, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and their Packaging Whether a product is a food, a drink, a pharmaceutical drug or a cosmetic, whether it is ingested
or applied, so long as it enters the bloodstream, it will produce an effect on the human
organism. The line between these different groups is hard to draw, and we delude ourselves if
we think that they can be clearly compartmentalized. It is interesting to note that while
hospitals are focused on the treatment of patients using prescription drugs, very few consider
that treatment may be possible by monitoring / selecting appropriate foodstuffs - although
everything we ingest is a chemical to some degree or other, as it is made up of molecules that
are absorbed in the body. In fact, treatment through a professional nutritional analysis is an area
that is almost entirely ignored, in preference to treatment by drugs which, because of their
concentration of a single chemical, are often highly toxic.
Food companies themselves are increasingly aware of the medical component of their products,
from two viewpoints; one is that they increase sales on the one hand by offering enhanced
foodstuffs containing excess sugar, fats and salts that cause the body to behave in an addictive
fashion; and on the other hand they increasingly sell foods that counteract certain diseases
(vitamin and mineral deficiencies, assisting weight loss). So, many of the large food companies
have us captive on two counts – they create obesity and disease one the one hand, and offer
panaceas to disease on the other. Both avenues are highly profitable.
In essence, the implementation of scientific knowledge in commercial foodstuff production
could have much wider implications for the health of the population than is presently
acknowledged by the drug companies, politicians and the providers of healthcare, in the
improved treatment of disease - without drugs. Below is a table listing some of the applications
of nanotechnology in foods, from production to ingestion.
Nanotechnology is on the rise in the industry. According to a report by the Priority Metric
Group, nano-related food and beverage packaging sales have grown to over $4bn in 2009
and is forecasted to hit the $7bn mark by 2014.
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Market sub sector Nano applications
Food production - Anti-bacterial food preparation surface coatings
- Colloid stability improvements
Conservation - Preservatives, antioxidants etc
- Optimal environment emulation
- Lifespan extension
- Fridge food freshness maintenance
Packaging - Anti-counterfeit (tracking systems, smart packaging)
- Contamination prevention, freshness maintenance,
- Novel, brand-oriented packaging
- Freshness / shelf life indicators
- Speed check out enhancements
- Improved flexibility, durability, temperature/ moisture stability, barrier, anti-microbial properties
Novel and ‘Fashion’ Foods - Colour, scent, flavour, taste and texture enhancement
Health foods - Supplement encapsulation (vitamins, minerals etc)
- Enhanced bioavailability
- Reduction in salts, fats and sugars
- ‘Delivery systems’ (scents, flavours etc)
- Sprays
Agriculture - Soil remediation
- Water purification
- Pesticides
- Nanosensors
Table 1: Applications of nanoproducts in food related areas (Source: ION Publishing Ltd)
It is only in relatively recent times that novel technologies have come under investigation as
offering new functionalities and benefits as well as efficient delivery mechanisms for the food
and beverage industries and its components. For example, food researchers are gaining a
greater understanding of areas such as the mechanisms of targeted delivery, with a view to
optimizing the delivery of vitamins and minerals in food to benefit health; technologies related
to the creation of novel physical, visual and sensory effects for competitive advantage.
Potential applications of nanotechnology includes nano-encapsulation of flavours or nutrients to
suit consumer preference or health requirements; nanofilters that can remove toxins; food
constituents that can be made to alter their colour; flavour modifications that can be created by
using differently-‘twisted’ molecules (for example, the direction of chirality of a molecule may
determine whether the flavour imparted is ‘lemon’ or ‘orange’); packaging that can keep
perishable contents fresher for longer, or detect when contents are spoiling and changing colour
to warn consumers. In essence, the understanding of food materials and food processing at the
nanoscale is increasingly recognized as vital in the creation of new and better food products,
and also to minimizing waste from increasing shelf life and visual indicators of freshness. No
more sell-by dates!
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Areas where nanotechnology applications are currently close to market or already available
include:
Enhanced the delivery of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds in functional
foods providing health benefits ;
Enhanced flavours, texture and delivery of bioactive functional ingredients;
Enhanced solubility – the smaller the component particle, the more soluble;
Controlled release for in-situ flavour and colour modification of products;
Improved bioavailability of vitamins and minerals for medical and sporting
applications;
Protection of the stability of micronutrients and bioactive compounds during
processing, storage and distribution;
Encapsulation of fats and oils for reduced calorie products
Nano particulate salt for more flavour with less salt content
Current nano-based products include:
Organic nanoadditives
Inorganic nanoadditives
Foods with nanoparticles offering specific additional functionalities or novelty
Nanosensors for food quality control and smart packaging
Nanoparticles for toxin scrubbing and to slow down ripening
Nanocoatings and nanofilms for protecting kitchenware and foodstuffs against
pathogenic bacteria
Packaging for ambient temperature maintenance
Nanosprays of bioluminescent indicators in antibacterial defence systems
Technologies include
Incorporation of nanosized ingredients and additives
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Processing of food at the nanoscale
Nanoencapsulation of ingredients, additives and supplements (based on micelles and
liposomes)
Manufactured mineral nanoparticles as additives and supplements
Incorporation of nano sunscreens and other modifications in improved food packaging
2.2 Smart Packaging Developing smart packaging to optimise product shelf-life has been the goal of many
companies. Such packaging systems would be able to self-repair minor damage, respond to
environmental conditions (e.g. temperature and moisture changes), and alert the customer if
the food is contaminated or ‘off’and keep products fresher for longer. Nanotechnology can offer
many possible solutions, for example, modifying the permeation behaviour of packaging foils,
increasing barrier properties (mechanical, thermal, chemical, and microbial), improving
mechanical and heat-resistance properties, developing active antimicrobial and antifungal
surfaces, and sensing as well as signalling microbiological and biochemical changes.The financial
outlook for nanotechnology-enabled packaging looks buoyant. The current packaging market is
around 4 billion USD by today. Within this, the smart packaging industry is growing particularly
fast, borne out by research undertaken by Frost and Sullivan. They found that today’s
consumers continue to demand much more from packaging in terms of protecting the quality,
freshness and safety of foods, as well as convenience. They conclude that this is one of the main
reasons behind the increased interest in innovative methods of packaging.
2.2.1 An Overview of Smart Packaging - ‘Active’ and ‘Intelligent’3
Active, controlled and intelligent packaging for food and beverages helps protect brands (anti-
theft, tamper evidence and product authenticity mechanisms),helps track and trace products
through the supply chain, maintain and improve product quality, enhance the look, taste,
flavour and aroma of products, improve product safety, actively prevent spoilage and extend
shelf life. This includes packaging with moisture absorbers/adsorbents, carbon dioxide and
ethylene scavengers/emitters, flavour/odour absorbers and flavour-releasing film, temperature
control packaging, including self-heating/cooling cans, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP),
intelligent packaging, freshness indicators, tamper evidence features, RFIDs, intelligent films,
etc.
The market for advanced packaging technology includes the food, beverage, pharma and beauty
industries, and other industry segments where freshness / perishability of the products are
important issues. Food and beverage however are the two largest segments which the active
3 Source: www.plastemart.com
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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and smart packaging technologies serve, as their products are prone to microbial attack, easily
change their physical and chemical texture when exposed to oxygen, and are subject to
stringent safety regulations.
Advanced packaging interacts internally (active packaging) and externally (intelligent packaging)
with the environment and enhances the visual appeal of the products.
.
Freshness indicators and time temperature indicators are the major product segment in smart
and intelligent packaging, and are commanding the largest share due to increased application in
the packaged food, ready-to-eat meal and frozen food category. Owing to an increase in urban
lifestyles and a growing global population, the demand for packaged, frozen, and ready-to-eat
food has witnessed a significant surge in recent times. With the demand for exotic fruits and
vegetables, meat products and frozen foods transcending geographical boundaries, the
packaging industry has been focusing on developing solutions that provide maximum food
security while maintaining nutritional value – all at competitive prices.
Active packaging is mainly used for food packaging, which enhances the food quality with
flavour, taste and colour. Intelligent packaging is used for both food and beverage packaging.
Out of the global market for advanced packaging, the contribution of the food sector is 51%,
while that of the beverage sector is 19%, together in total they represent 70% of the market
The increasing demand for fresh and quality packaged food, convenience, longer shelf life,
and hence increased profitability and less waste, is driving this market for advanced
packaging technology, which is expected to grow to US$23.474 mln in 2015, at an estimated
CAGR of 8.2% from 2010 to 2015, as per MarketsandMarkets.
Amongst all the packaging market segments, MAP (modified atmosphere packaging)
commands the largest share in terms of value (approximately 54%), while intelligent
packaging leads in terms of growth.
Active and smart packaging technology offer tremendous potential to fulfill the growing
demand of food safety in various applications, including the dairy product, meat and poultry,
and ready-to-eat meal segment. In active packaging, oxygen scavengers and moisture
absorbers form the two largest product segments. Both are estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8
and 11.9% respectively. In terms of value, active packaging technology contributes to
approximately 35% of the global advanced packaging technology.
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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New technologies such as intelligent packaging, smart packaging, active, and modified
atmosphere packaging are replacing traditional methods such as canning, and the industry is
expected to witness significant growth in the years to come.
Similar to the other aspects in the food industry, this market is also highly regulated with strict
guidelines for packaging materials, testing, and labeling.
2.2.2 Applications of Nanotechnology in Active and Intelligent Packaging
In active and intelligent packaging, nanomaterials have various applications. In active packaging,
the nanostructures can enhance the vapour permeability of polymers, and have various
applications, for example, in fruit and vegetable packaging. Nanosensors categorized under
intelligent packaging can help in detecting pathogens, toxins, and chemicals. With nanosensors
incorporated inside the packaging, the consumer can easily know the status of food inside, as
the sensors can inform consumers about the food’s freshness level and nutrition status.
North America is the largest market for active and smart packaging technology with 35.1% of
the market. Europe forms the second largest market due to the demand for sustainable
packaging and stringent regulations. Currently, market players are focusing on development of
new products, and this accounts for the highest share of the total competitive developments in
advanced packaging technology for food and beverage from June 2008 to September 2010. The
greatest developments are seen in the oxygen scavenger product segment.
In 2013 the global market for active, controlled and intelligent packaging for food and beverages
is expected to reach US$23.6 bn, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. Controlled
packaging is expected to have the largest share of the market in 2013, approximately 40.5%,
with active packaging is estimated at approximately 27%. The figure below shows the growth in
active, controlled and intelligent packaging between 2004 and 2013 (BCC Research).
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Figure 1. Growth in active, controlled and intelligent packaging between 2004 and 2013 (BCC
Research)
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Some Nanotechnologies and their Applications in Foods and Packaging
Clay Nanoparticles Improve Plastic Packaging for Food Products
Chemical giant Bayer produces a transparent plastic film (called Durethan) containing nanoparticles of
clay. The nanoparticles are dispersed throughout the plastic and are able to block oxygen, carbon
dioxide and moisture from reaching fresh meats or other foods. The nanoclay also makes the plastic
lighter, stronger and more heat-resistant.
Embedding Nanocrystals in Plastic Improves Barrier Properties
Until recently, industry’s quest to package beer in plastic bottles (for cheaper transport) was
unsuccessful because of spoilage and flavour problems. Nanocor, a subsidiary of Amcol International
Corp., is producing nanocomposites for use in plastic beer bottles that give the brew a six-month shelf-
life. By embedding nanocrystals in plastic, researchers have created a molecular barrier that helps
prevent the escape of oxygen. Nanocor and Southern Clay Products are working on a plastic beer
bottle that may increase shelf-life to 18 months.
Nanotechnology for Antimicrobial Packaging and ‘Active Packaging’
Kodak, best known for producing camera film, is using nanotech to produce antimicrobial packaging
for food products, and ‘active packaging,’ which absorbs oxygen, thereby keeping food fresh.
Embedded Sensors in Food Packaging and ‘Electronic Tongue’ Technology
Scientists at Kraft, Rutgers University and the University of Connecticut, are working on nano-particle
films and other packaging with embedded sensors that will detect food pathogens. Called “electronic
tongue” technology, the sensors can detect substances in parts per trillion and trigger a colour change
in the packaging to alert the consumer if a food has become contaminated or if it has begun to spoil.
Using a Nanotech Bioswitch in ‘Release on Command’ Food Packaging
Researchers in the Netherlands are going one further to develop intelligent packaging that will release
a preservative if the food within begins to spoil. This “release on command” preservative packaging is
operated by means of a bioswitch developed through nanotechnology.
Using Food Packaging Sensors in Defence and Security Applications
With present technologies, testing for microbial food-contamination takes two to seven days and the
sensors are too big to be transported easily. Several groups of researchers in the US are developing
biosensors that can detect pathogens quickly and easily, as crucial in the event of a terrorist attack on
the food supply. With USDA and National Science Foundation funding, researchers at Purdue
University are working to produce a hand-held sensor capable of detecting a specific bacteria
instantaneously from any sample, and have created a start-up company called BioVitesse to market
the product.
Various sources
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3 KEY NANOTECHNOLOGIES IN FOODS AND PACKAGING Nanomaterials and their associated manufacturing and processing technologies are the key
enablers of the “nanotechnology industry”. They exhibit features only present at the nanoscale
that potentially offer performance enhancements over existing bulk materials.
Nano application area Product(s)
Nano nutraceuticals - Nano Synergy, energy booster (Vitamins, Calcium, B-Complex)
- Lycopene, carotenoids and phytosterol supplements from BASF
Nano agro chemicals, nanopesticides - Nano fungicides
- Nano plant growth regulators (Syngenta)
- Encapsulated pesticides that are activated when ingested by insects (BASF, Bayer Crop Science, Monsanto and Syngenta) http://nanoall.blogspot.com/2011/01/smart-nano-pesticides.html
Filtration technologies - Nanosieves and filters
Nanobioluminescent analytical systems - Luciferase-based kit s to control microbial contamination (3M)
Nanosensors for food analysis - Nanostructured electrochemical systems
- Nanoparticles for optical detection of spoiling
Visual freshness indicator in packaging - Various, including silver nanolayers reacting with hydrogen sulphide and titanium dioxide acting with oxygento produce colour changes (Modified Atmosphere Packaging)
Maintenance of freshness in fruit and vegetables Active gold, silver and other nanoparticles for scrubbing ethylene from surrounding environment (Extra Fresh)
Ink jet printed oxygen indicators On demand, customized printing for visual and/or optically readable, low cost indicators attached to or printed on the packaging material, offering
- tamper-evidence of hermetically sealed food/pharmaceutical packages
- evaluation of remaining shelf-life of packed product
- evaluation of use-by date of perishable products in opened packages in the home
Nanocleaning - Non-toxic nanoemulsions (Envirosystems Inc.)
- ‘NanoCheck’ algae growth prevention (Altair Nanotechnologies Ltd.)
Silver deodorant for refrigerators - Silver nano particles in contact with bacteria suppress their respiration. This adversely affects bacteria’s cellular metabolism and inhibits cell growth. (Daewoo Electronics, Samsung)
Table 2: Nanotchnologies in food and food-related products (Source: ION Publishing)
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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The following core nanotechnologies and nanomaterials are reviewed in relation to food and
beverages and the market, and including packaging and ‘devices’ (such as filters, specific to that
market):
Nanoparticles
Nanocomposite materials
Nanoporous materials
Nanocapsules
Nanoporous materials
Nanofilms and coatings
A number of these are subsets of nanoparticles/nanopowders, but can usefully be considered
independently as market opportunities. The methodology used in this report is shown in Fig 1.
Figure 2: Methodology
The forecasting method is the technology adoption life cycle. The market penetration of
nanomaterials is based on product uptake by innovators, early adopters and the early majority
of users. An estimate of the market has been made based on the growth of the application
market and diffusion of the nanomaterial / nanotechnology in that market. 2.5% market
diffusion is acceptable for early innovators in a technology adoption life cycle. The product
diffusion range has been limited to 0.1- 1% of the total market. A schematic diagram in Fig 2
depicts this forecasting methodology:
Figure 3: Product
Diffusion model used in
Forecasting (Source:
ION Publishing).
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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3.1 NANOPARTICLES Nanoparticles can be defined as particles of less than 100nm in diameter which exhibit new or
enhanced, size-dependent properties (such as chemical reactivity and optical behaviour),
compared with larger particles of the same material. For example, titanium dioxide and zinc
oxide become transparent at the nanoscale, are able to absorb and reflect UV light, and have
found applications not only in novel sunscreens, but also in UV-resistant packaging.
Because nanoparticles have large surface areas and consequently high surface reactivity they
provide enormous flexibility for is situ applications. They can be made of a wide range of
materials, the most common being ceramic, which are split into metal oxide ceramics and
silicate nanoparticles (generally in the form of nanoclays). Their importance lies in the fact that
they can be designed and manufactured with physical properties tailored to meet the needs of
the specific target application. Nanoparticles can be arranged into layers on surfaces, providing
a large and reactive surface area, relevant to a range of potential applications, including sensing.
3.1.1 The Market for Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles are available as dry powders or as liquid dispersions. Some important
nanoparticulate materials in food and packaging are simple metal oxides, such as silica, alumina,
titania, zinc oxide, iron oxide, cerium oxide, and zirconia. Silica and iron oxide nanoparticles have
been in the market for over half a century. Nanocrystalline titania, zinc oxide, cerium oxide, and
other oxides have entered the market more recently. Examples of relevant nanoparticle-based
applications are illustrated in Table 3 below:
Applications Food / Food preparation
Drink Packaging
Gold and other nanoparticles for scrubbing impurities
3
Titanium dioxide and other nanoparticles for dirt- and pathogen- repellant surfaces
1 1
Nanoparticulate capsules for the delivery of scents and flavours
2
Nanosilver, zinc oxide and cerium oxide as an antibacterial in maintaining freshness
1 1
Nanoparticles in tagging and tracking 2 2 1
Fluorescent biological labels 1
Table 3: Applications in Food, Drink and Packaging: Nanoparticles. 1. Already available on the
market 2. Awaiting marketability 3. Under development 4. Existing as concept (Source: ION
Publishing).
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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3.1.2 Key Players in Manufacturers and End Users
Table 4 gives a list of end users and manufacturers of products incorporating nanoparticles for
use in the food, beverage and related packaging industries:
Company Food / Food preparation
Drink/ Drink Preparation
Packaging
Kodak, USA ●
Proctor and Gamble ● ● ●
Reckitt Benckiser ● ● ●
Unilever ● ● ●
Multisorb Technologies ●
Sealed Air Corporation ●
Sysco Corporation ● ● ●
Paksense Incorporated ●
Eastman Chemical Company ● ● ●
DuPont ● ● ●
M&G ●
Amcor Limited , Australia ●
Timestrip plc UK ● ●
Lanxess ●
Nanocor ●
Nycoa, USA ●
Honeywell, USA ●
PolyOne, Europe ●
NanoPolymer, Asia ●
Ube Industrie, Asia ●
Showa Denko, Asia ●
Nanocor, USA ●
Table 4: Application Manufacturers vs.Food, Bevergae and Related Packaging Industry Sectors:
Nanoparticles (Source: ION Publishing).
3.1.3 Key Players in Nanomaterials suppliers
Table 5 gives an overview of nano materials suppliers to food, beverage and related packaging
manufacturers:
Company
Food / Food preparation
Drink/ Drink Preparation
Packaging
American Dye Source, Inc ●
Nanoshel ● ●
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
20
Elementis Specialties ●
PQ Corporation ● ●
InMat ●
JR Nanotech ● ● ●
Alpha Nanomaterials ●
Altair Nano ●
Nanogap ●
Nanograde ●
Nanopartz ●
Southern Clay ●
FCC International ●
Kunemine Industries ●
Alcoa ●
United Company Rusal ●
Alcan ●
Table 5: Nanomaterials Suppliers vs. Food Beverage and Related Packaging Industries (Source:
ION Publishing).
3.2 NANOCOMPOSITES AND PACKAGING Nanocomposites are the combination of two or more nanomaterials to create a material
designed for a specific purpose, which exhibits the best properties of each component.
Nanocomposites are an important use of nanoparticles, and their multifunctionality applies not
only to mechanical properties as they also offer optimized mechanical, optical and thermal
capabilities. In this context, nanoparticulate polymer composites are one of the key materials in
the future application of polymers in general. The various properties of polymers, for example,
stiffness, hardness, UV-stability, bio-stability and conductivity can be modified or enhanced by
using nanoparticles, and these properties are important for novel packaging applications.
3.2.1 Market for nanocomposites
Nanocomposite products on the market are to be generally found as fillers in a polymer matrix
for polypropylene, polyamides, polystyrenes, polymethylmethacrylate, polyamides, sebs,
polyanniline and resins. Companies offering nano-enhanced packaging for food and drink
include:
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
21
Examples of nanocomposite-based applications include polymer nanocomposites with increased
tensile strength, oxygen scavenging barrier materials and biodegradable nanocomposite
packaging. Nanocomposites are already penetrating a number of key packaging applications,
such as soft drinks, beer and food, driven by the improved barrier, strength and conductive
properties that they offer. Nanoclay-based composites have found application in packaging for
food and beverages as heat resistant and gas barrier films. Clay based nanocomposites are the
most interesting innovation area for composites and will probably represent the largest market
area over the next 10-15 years.
Making Packaging Biodegradable
Environmental waste problems caused by non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic packaging have
been part of the public debate in many Western countries for several years. According to the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average American person produces around 726kg of waste
a year, in Mexico the common household produces even 30% more garbage than in the US. The UK
currently landfills 28m tons of waste every year, a number that is destined to double over the next 20
years.
Sajid Alavi, associate professor at the US Kansas State University, and his research team at the
Department of Grain Science and Industry have been developing bio-nanocomposite packaging films
for six years. The researchers' main focus is on the problem of non-biodegradability and the use of
valuable, scarce and non-renewable resources. As a solution, Sajid Alavi and his project partner
Xiaozhi Tang have developed a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), starch, montmorillonite (MMT)
nano-clay and the plasticiser glycerol to create a biodegradable packaging film.
To overcome the poor mechanical properties of starch, the researchers have added nano-clay, glycerol
and PVOH to make the film both stretchable and sturdy. The second part of the research was the use of
‘extrusion processing’ a fast-continuous process that involves using screws to push material through a
long barrel or cylinder. The material gets melted, and the starch and the plasticiser get mixed with the
nano-clay. The materials emerge as a very well-integrated composite material, which has all the
different components equally dispersed. It helps to improve the property of the films. This technique is
relatively new. After the research was published, more and more people are researching the use of
extrusion for making nanocomposites.
In 2008, the researchers received a $0.5m grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
through the National Research Initiative (NRI) programme to make the film industrially relevant. The
three-year project has ended in August 2011 and according to Alavi they have made significant
progress.
According to Alavi, the advantages of the films are obvious; they are bio-degradable and
environmentally friendly, the materials are cost-effective and renewable and the processing method is
relatively simple. These types of packaging films are becoming very competitive as governments and
countries move further towards sustainability and environmental awareness. Companies are seriously
thinking of switching over as it brings long-term economic benefits and also benefits from the point of
view of consumer-awareness. They can sell their products in 'green' packaging, and this concept is
definitely catching on.
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Applications in packaging for food & drink, are expected to account for large percentage of
revenue of the nanocomposites market by 2015, which was worth around $437.6 million in
2007. Table 6 shows the revenue forecasts for the nanocomposites for the food and drink and
packaging market for 2011-2015.
Market 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Food & Drink 500 740 925 1090 1240 1560
Consumer 296 635 790 875 1060 1248
Total 7298
Table 6: Revenue Forecasts Nanocomposites in food and drinks packaging (World), 2011-2015, $
Millions (Source: ION Publishing).
3.2.2 Key players
3.2.2.1 Nanocomposites suppliers
Table 7 gives an overview of nanocomposites suppliers:
Company
Food/ Food Preparatoion
Drink/ Drink Preparation
Related Packaging
AMCOL International Corporation
●
BASF AG ● ●
Bayer AG ● ●
DuPont ● ● ●
Eastman Chemical Company ●
Elementis plc ●
FCC – China ●
Hybrid Plastics ● ● ●
InMat Inc ●
Kodak ●
Kunimine Industries ● ●
Lanxess ●
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Incorporated
●
M&G ●
NL industries ●
Multisorb ●
Nanocor ● ●
Nanoshel ● ● ●
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Sasol Germany ●
Southern Clay Products ● ●
Sud Chemie ●
CBC ● ● ●
Table 7: Nanomaterials Suppliers vs. Industrial Sectors: Nanocomposites for food, drink and
packaging applications (Source: ION Publishing).
3.3 NANOCAPSULES Nanocapsules are generally described as spherical or cylindrical shaped nanoparticles, into
which different types of substances can be added (fragrances, enzymes, catalysts, oils,
adhesives, polymers, other nanoparticles or even biological cells).
Recently developed polymeric nanocapsules have the advantage of being functionalised
relatively easily. Manufacturing conditions of nanocapsules are not extreme, chemically or
thermally, which makes it possible to even encapsulate ‘living’ (biological) material inside them.
Furthermore, nanocapsules can be designed with the ability to deliver the contents to the
target, or to be released by some activator, or within a set time or external condition (such as
light, temperature or pressure).
3.3.1 Market for nanocapsules
Nanocapsules ranging from 130-500nm have been on the market in cosmetics for a number of
years, with companies such as Lancome and L’Oreal incorporating them into their range of
beauty products. In the food industry, liposomal nanocapsules have been used to deliver food
flavours and nutrients, with applications in nutraceutical and sports foods and drinks, and
liposomal nanocpsules for ‘flavour burst’ foods More recently they have been investigated for
their ability to incorporate food antimicrobials that could aid in the protection of food products
against growth of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms.
Figure 4 below illustrates the percentage breakdown of the projected highest revenue
applications based on nanocapsules by 2015, with food use at 20% of the total market.
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
24
.
Figure 4: Nanocapsules: Estimated Breakdown by Highest Demand Application, 2015 (Source:
ION Publishing).
The nanocapsules market is worth around $32 million in 2007. Figure 5 and table 8 below show
the revenue forecasts for the nanocapsules market for the period 2008-2015.
Market 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Life Sciences & Health
18 22 31 79 104 220 440 510 540
Consumer 11 14 18 32 46 78.5 102 165 212
Construction 1.8 3.2 6 11 15.6 19.5 28 41 106
Food & Drink 0.3 5.5 12 18 51 84 101 147 220
Household - 0.3 1.1 7 12 14.5 19 26 31
Other 0.9 1.1 1.4 2.1 2.6 3.1 3.8 4.2 4.7
Total 32 46.1 69.5 149.1 231.2 419.6 693.8 893.2 1113.7
Table8: Revenue Forecasts Nanocapsules Demand (World), 2006-2015, Million US$ (Source: ION
Publishing).
Multi-functional
liposomal
nanocapsules in
food
20%
Drug delivery
(Dispersed
polymer
nanocapsules,
magnetic
nanoparticles)
41%
Fragrancing and
anti-bacterial
release
13%
Beauty care
15%
Self-healing & anti-
fouling coatings
(mixing
nanocapsules into
paints)
11%
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Figure 5: Revenue Forecasts Nanocapsules Demand (World), 2006-2015, Million US$ (Source:
ION Publishing).
3.3.2 Key players
3.3.2.1 Manufacturers and End Users
Table 9 gives a list of end users and manufacturers of products using nanoencapsulation
technology in their products:
Company
Manufacturers
End Users
Heinz ● ●
Shemen Industries (Canola Oil) ● ●
RBC Life Sciences Ltd (Milk Shake) ●
Danone ● ●
Nestle ● ●
Kraft ● ●
Nutralease (Sports Drinks) ●
Reckitt Benckiser ● ●
Unilever ● ●
Shenzhen Industry & Trade Co (Tea) ● ●
General Mills ● ●
Table 9: Manufacturers and End Users vs. Industrial Sectors: Nanocapsules (Source: ION
Publishing).
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Life
Scien
ces
Con
sum
er
Con
stru
ctio
n
Food
& D
rink
Hou
seho
ld
Oth
er
Millio
n $
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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3.4 NANOPOROUS MATERIALS As a general characteristic, nanoporous materials contain holes less than 100 nm in diameter
and may be bulk materials or membranes. Nanoporous materials can have open
(interconnected) pores or closed pores and could have amorphous, semi-crystalline or
crystalline (e.g. lamellar, cubic, hexagonal) frameworks. These two characteristics very much
influence the applications a specific nanoporous material is suitable for. Nanoporous materials
are of significance because they possess the ability to absorb and interact with atoms, ions and
molecules on their large interior surfaces and in the nanometre size pore spaces.
Nanoporous materials combine the advantages of porous materials with the biological
functionality of the material itself. The materials’ properties are enhanced or inhibited by the
nanometre-sized porous structure, but still depend on the material’s chemical composition.
Above all others, the most remarkable properties exhibited by nanoporous materials include:
high specific surface area, control over pore size, morphology and distribution.
Environmental applications make up a large proportion of the market for nanoporous materials,
followed by oil refining, detergents and water treatment. New absorbents and nanoporous
membranes are being developed for various emissions removal applications. High performance
adsorbents for bioprocess engineering are under development based on templated nanoporous
silica materials. This could potentially lead to significant advances in advanced materials and
adsorbent technology, downstream processing for the biotechnology and food processing
industries, offering highly specific affinity interactions used for difficult bioseparations.
As nanoporous materials display a high sensitivity to slight changes in environments
(temperature, atmosphere, humidity, and light) they can also be used as sensor and actuator
materials. Gas sensors based on nanoporous metal oxides such as SnOz, TiOz, Zr02, and ZnO are
being developed and applied as detectors of levels of food freshness, ripeness and / or spoilage,
and to monitor the air quality in food processing. Under development are nanoporous materials
to act as virus filters
Figure 6 below illustrates the percentage breakdown of the projected highest revenue
applications based on nanoporous materials by 2015.
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
27
Figure 6: Nanoporous materials: Estimated Breakdown by Highest Revenue Application, 2015
(Source: ION Publishing).
The nanoporous materials market was worth around $804 million in 2007. Energy and
environmental applications are expected to account for the largest percentage of revenue by
2015. Figure 7 and table 10 show the revenue forecasts for the nanoporous materials market
for the period 2006-2015.
Market 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Energy 360 396 490 610 700 815 960 1114 1215 1420
Environment 415 520 623 731 860 967 1190 1349 1526 1755
Life Sciences 7 11 19 37 66 82 114 146 183 220
Food & Drink 21 27 47 75 130 185 210 290 340 462
Other 1 2.5 3 4.5 6 8 9.5 10.5 12 14
Total 804 956.5 1182 1457.5 1762 2057 2483.5 2909.5 3276 3871
Table 10: Revenue Forecasts Nanoporous Materials Demand (World), 2006-2015, Million US$
(Source: ION Publishing).
Catalysis
21%
Clean energy
production &
storage
16%
Nanoporous
biomaterials
9%
Absorbents
24%
Environmental
separations &
sensors
30%
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
28
Figure 7: Revenue Forecasts Nanoporous Materials Demand (World), 2006-2015, Million US$
(Source: ION Publishing).
3.4.1.1 Application manufacturers
Table 11 gives a brief list of the food /drink application manufacturers that are using
nanoporous materials in their product portfolio:
Table 11: Application Manufacturers vs. Food / Drink Sector: Nanoporous materials (Source: ION
Publishing).
0200400600800
100012001400160018002000
Ene
rgy
Env
ironm
ent
Life S
cien
ces
Food
& D
rink
Other
Reven
ue (
Mil
lio
n U
S$)
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Company
Use of Nanoporous Materials in Food / Drink applications
Aquamarijn Research ●
Nanomi ●
Nanosens ●
Nanosensors Inc ●
Optodot ●
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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3.5 NANO FILMS AND COATINGS The application of transparent, self-assembling coatings that impart functional benefits to
surfaces can lead to a huge range of new features. Highly sophisticated surface-related
properties can be obtained via nanostructured coatings.
Surfaces can be modified by other agents (chemicals, designed polymers) as a way to create the
properties desired. Next generation nanocoatings offer unique properties such as self-healing
and scratch and corrosion resistance, useful to food packaging designers.
Most coatings applied today are ''dumb'' in the sense that, once applied, they perform their
function without the ability to self-correct because of changing circumstances or without the
ability to tell the user of potential anomalies. Nanotechnology-based coatings can also allow for
multifunctional capabilities, e.g. they have at least two properties at the same time; for
example, they can be hydrophobic and anti-bacterial, and also UV resistant.
3.5.1 Market for Nanocoatings
Companies have found that with the incorporation of nanoparticles, both in and on the film,
thin film coatings have stronger bonds and better flexibility, with little cost difference. These
coatings are smoother, stronger and more durable. Nanomaterials such as thin films and
engineered surfaces have been developed and applied across a wide range of industries.
The ability of controlling surface coatings at the nanoscale is of paramount importance for a
large-scale industrial development of nanotechnology. At present, many physical and chemical
methods are available for the nanofabrication of layers and coatings with nanometric control of
the structural and functional features. Examples of nanocoatings applications are illustrated in
table 12.
Applications Food, Drink and Packaging
Smart coatings 2
Self-healing coatings 3
Photocatalytic coatings 1
Antimicrobial coatings 1
Oxygen resistant films 1
Self-cleaning surfaces 1
Effective clear inorganic UV resistanceabsorbent films 1
Table 12: Application vs. Industrial Sectors: Nanocoatings. 1. Already available on the market 2.
Awaiting marketability 3. Under development 4. Existing as concept (Source: ION Publishing).
The nanocoatings market is currently worth approximately US$814 in 2007. “One way” coating
systems based on nanomaterials make up the bulk of this market, for example in anti-bacterial;
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
30
protective and conductive coatings. However under development are “two way” systems such
as shape-memory materials, hydrophobic/hydrophilic switching and thermochromic pigmented
coatings that will come onto the market in the next 2-3 years. Figure 8 and table 13 show the
revenue forecasts for the nanocoatings market for the period 2006-2015.
Market 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Aerospace & Defence 150 180 240 340 390 560 768 1140 1500 1880
Automotive 125.4 180.5 228 361 423.7 1007 1483.9 1748 1938 2451
Energy 21 32 46 57 101 179 360 500 620 750
Life Sciences 30 51 88 175 370 750 930 1250 1475 1800
Construction 35 48 72 151 245 330 460 563 625 750
Textiles 62 110 240 375 630 845 1070 1250 1620 1900
Environment 5 11 30 49 95 140 197 280 325 420
Food & Drink 19 30 85 130 190 245 310 355 420 491
Consumer/House 51 125 390 610 815 1264 1450 1700 2010 2350
Security 27 41 95 180 293 387 440 605 740 896
Other 3 5.5 8 11 13 17 25 31 36 42
Total 528.4 814 1522 2439 3565.7 5724 7493.9 9422 11309 13730
Table 13: Revenue Forecasts Nanocoatings (World), 2006-2015, Million US$ (Source: ION
Publishing).
Figure 8: Revenue Forecasts Nanocoatings (World), 2006-2015, Million US$ (Source: ION
Publishing).
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Aer
ospa
ce
Aut
omot
ive
Ene
rgy
Life
Scien
ces
Con
stru
ction
Textile
s
Env
ironm
ent
Food
& D
rink
Hou
seho
ld
Sec
urity
Oth
er
Reven
ue (
Mil
lio
n U
S$)
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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4 THE MARKET FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY IN FOOD AND DRINK The current global population is now over 7 billion with 50% living in Asia. A large proportion of
those living in developing countries face daily food shortages as a result of environmental
impacts or political instability, while in the developed world there is a food surplus. For
developing countries the drive is to develop drought and pest resistant crops, which also
maximize yield. In developed countries, the food industry is driven by consumer demand which
is currently for fresher and healthier foodstuffs. This is big business, for example the food
industry in the UK is booming with an annual growth rate of 5.2% and the demand for fresh food
has increased by 10% in the last few years.
Food and drink account for a significant proportion of household expenditure. Across the agri-
food chain, from farm to fork, there is a major potential market for future applications and
development in nanomaterials. Research in agriculture has always dealt with improving the
efficiency of crop production, food processing, food safety and environmental consequences of
food production, storage and distribution. Nanotechnology provides a new tool to pursue these
goals.
The nanoscale is not new to the food and beverage sector, with various phenomena already
witnessed and exploited in nutraceutical and functional food formulation, manufacturing, and
processing. Colloid science, for example, has been applied to food materials for a long time. An
array of food and beverages contain components that are nanoscale in size and in processing
(dairy for example), the manipulation of naturally occurring nanoparticles is involved.
However, it is only recently that novel applications have come under investigation for new
functionalities and efficient delivery mechanisms for food and beverages. New tools and
processes are allowing researchers greater understanding of areas such as the mechanisms of
targeted delivery that will potentially lead to smart delivery for both optimization of human
health and novel physical, visual and sensory effects.
Potential applications include food that can alter its colour, flavour or nutrients to suit each
consumer's preference or health requirements; filters that can take out toxins or modify
flavours by sifting through certain molecules based on their shape instead of size; and packaging
that can detect when its contents are spoiling, and change colour to warn consumers. The
understanding of food materials and food processing at the nanoscale is important in order to
create new and improved food products.
4.1 Nanotechnology in food production The application of nanotechnology in food and agriculture is in its nascent stage. However, over
the next decade, the use of nanotechnology may increase to encompass such applications as the
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
32
detection of carcinogenic pathogens and biosensors to enable contamination-free food and
agricultural products.
The application of nanotechnology to the agricultural and food industries was first addressed by
a United States Department of Agriculture roadmap published in September 2003.4 The
prediction is that nanotechnology will transform the entire food industry, changing the way food
is produced, processed, packaged, transported, and consumed.
Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural and food industry with new
tools for the molecular treatment of diseases, rapid disease detection, enhancing the ability of
plants to absorb nutrients etc. Smart sensors and smart delivery systems will help the
agricultural industry combat viruses and other crop pathogens. In the near future
nanostructured catalysts will be available which will increase the efficiency of pesticides and
herbicides, allowing lower doses to be used. Nanotechnology will also protect the environment
indirectly through the use of alternative (renewable) energy supplies, and filters or catalysts to
reduce pollution and clean-up existing pollutants. Some example applications are featured in
table 14.
Areas of Use Application
Production, processing and shipment of food products
Nanosensors for pathogen and contaminant detection.
Increase efficiency and security Integration of “Smart Systems” into sensing, localization, reporting and remote control.
Bioprocessing The use of molecular probes or the development of devices that allow that allow rapid identification of microbes present in feedstock are examples of research at the nanoscale that can increase the efficiency of bioprocessing.
Bioanalytical nanosensors Detection of very small amounts of chemical contaminant, virus or bacteria in agriculture and food systems is envisioned from the chemical, physical and biological devices, working together as an integrated sensor at the nanoscale. The bioanalytical nanosensors either use biology as a part of the sensor, or are used for biological samples.
Table 14: Areas of application of nanotechnology in the Food Production and Supply) (Source:
ION Publishing).
Globally, many countries have identified the potential of nanotechnology in the agrifood sector
and are investing a significant amount in it. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
has set out ambitious plans to be achieved in the short, medium and long term, and aims to
discover novel phenomena, processes and tools to address challenges faced by the agricultural
sector. Equal importance has been given to the societal issues associated with nanotechnology
and to improve public awareness.
4 Nanoscale science and engineering for agriculture and food systems, Dept. of Agriculture, United States, 2003.
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
33
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has commissioned studies to assess new and potential
applications of nanotechnology in food, especially on packaging.5 At the same time more money
has been given by other Government departments towards research and development which
includes the development of functional food, nutrient delivery systems and methods for
optimizing food appearance, such as colour, flavour and consistency.
4.2 Food processing and safety Food safety is one of the key issues of the food industry as, for example, contamination of foods
with pathogen bacteria has consequences not only for the consumer who becomes ill, but also
for the food producer who loses creditability and often suffers financial losses. There is
therefore a need to develop rapid and portable biosensors for the detection of pathogens,
pollutants and toxins in the environment and for food diagnostics. Biosensors can be applied in
processing of foods for monitoring.
Another important aspect is the impact of foods on health and disease prevention. These areas
are of major public interest and require increased insight into material science with respect to
the production facilities, analytical methods for detection and quantification of both food safety
concerns and impact on food quality, and finally a more thorough understanding of chemical,
molecular, and physical composition of foods and their effect on our well-being. These
challenges call for the use of new methodologies including a number of available
nanotechnological tools.
Under development in nanotechnology in on order to provide safe food to consumers are
sensors which can almost instantly reveal whether a food sample contains toxic compounds or
bacteria; anti-bacterial surfaces for machines involved in food production; thinner, stronger and
cheaper wrappings for food; and the creation of food with a healthier nutritional composition.
Much of the equipment used in the food industry is manufactured from stainless steel. Several
major food manufacturers have carried out tests on the effectiveness of coatings to reduce
microbial attachment and subsequent biofilm development on such equipment. Whilst
effectiveness on SS surfaces can be achieved in the lab, the tests failed to produce effective
treatments when tested in factories where equipment is treated harshly, particularly during
cleaning at the end of each day. The coatings are damaged and then hamper cleaning.
Data is available to show that ‘residuals’ remaining on and adhered to surfaces after cleaning
and disinfection can ‘condition’ a surface such that they reduce its ability for soil and microbial
attachment. This phenomenon offers the opportunity to restrict biofilm development. Whilst
existing chemicals, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, have a beneficial effect, there is
the potential for incorporating ‘additives’ into the cleaning and disinfection solutions. Various
research groups are considering suitable nanoadditives. For example, some researchers are
5 www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/nanotech.pdf
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
34
considering the effects of adsorption and denaturation of proteins on the subsequent ability of
cells to adhere to surfaces while others are considering the use of synthetic nanoparticles.
Although there is a good likelihood that nanotechnology will lead to an overall enhancement of
choice and quality in the food and beverage sector, significant concerns about the safety of
nanomaterials may arise. There is recognition amongst some that safety data/assurances are
needed before new nanoparticles are used in foods and beverage and food packaging materials,
and that current legislation may not be sufficient. Regulatory bodies are mindful of any new
safety issues posed by nanomaterials, as full understanding of potential risks is very limited at
present. It has been stated that there is a lack of fundamental knowledge on areas such as
toxicology; exposure; generic risk assessment and the legal framework.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK, there are no major gaps in regulations
pertaining to the food and beverage area, though with further development of nanotechnology
these may become apparent. Those that are not covered by existing UK regulations would come
under the auspices of the EU.
Current legislation appears to permit nanoparticles of food-approved materials, based on
macroparticle safety tests. Replacement of macroscopic materials with nanoparticles is seen as
simple change in formulation of the product. There is no legal requirement for nanoparticles to
be formally cleared as novel ingredients or additives, whether for direct or indirect food use and
there is no specific requirement to indicate their presence on food labels. In the absence of the
complete picture of food safety / toxicology, and at this early stage in development of the
technology, it could be appropriate to regard nanomaterials as a separate class of either “novel
foods” or new additives and to control them under one of the respective regulatory
frameworks, accordingly.
The Federal Drug Agency (FDA) in the USA has traditionally regulated many products in this size
range and believes the existing pharmacotoxicity tests are adequate for most nanotechnology
products. The FDA states that particle size is not the issue, and as new toxicological tests that
derive from new materials and / or new conformations of existing materials are identified, new
tests will be required. At present, the FDA regulates only to the ‘claims’ made by the
manufacturer. “If he makes no reference to nanotechnology … FDA may be unaware (during
review / approval process) that nanotechnology is being used.”
4.3 Food packaging The technology requirements for packaging are constantly evolving, with manufacturers, brand
owners and consumers seeking improved product features and performance. With packaging
there is limited scope for improving pack geometry, and only a little more for improving
materials processing and pack constructional detail. However there is scope for improvement in
material performance and the exploitation of nanomaterials is a real opportunity to improve
performance and to reduce costs.
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
35
The properties afforded by exploitation of the nanoscale can significantly increase the shelf life,
efficiently preserve flavour & colour, and facilitate transportation & usage of food and
beverages. The development of novel functional hybrid food/ packaging systems will provide
alternative, more efficient and, in some cases, unique industrial means to provide foods with
improved impact on human health upon consumption.
In the food-packaging arena, nanomaterials are being developed with enhanced mechanical and
thermal properties to ensure better protection of foods from exterior mechanical, thermal,
chemical or microbiological effects. Innovation via nanoscale coatings and thin films and the
incorporation of nanocomposites includes:
modifying the permeation behaviour of foils
increasing barrier properties
improving mechanical and heat-resistance properties
developing active antimicrobial and antifungal surfaces
sensing and signalling microbiological and biochemical changes.
Packaging has an important role to play in food safety with potential applications of nano
enabled packaging allow for detection of pathogens and microbial contamination, as well as
optimal product quality (ripeness). Recent technological developments have enabled the food
industry to create active packaging that prolongs food quality and shelf life and nanotechnology
will continue to enhance this area. We are already witnessing the replacement of traditional
“packing” with multi-functional intelligent packaging methods to improve the quality of the
packaging contents and provide both supplier and consumer information.
As well as enhancement of the raw materials using in packaging, nanotechnology will also allow
for further added value features through the exploitation of intelligent materials. These include
plastic films pre-impregnated with oxygen absorbers, ethylene absorbers and moisture
absorbers. For PET bottles gases such as oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are able to
permeate the microstructure of the bottle wall. In juices, for example, vitamins, flavorings and
colorings are impaired significantly during storage as a result of this permeation, leading to a
reduction of shelf life. The market therefore requires the packaging industry to provide a
technically and commercially convincing barrier solution for this purpose. Nanomaterials can
allow for gas/water vapor permeability to fit the requirements of reserving fruit, vegetable,
beverage and other foods.
The incorporation of sensors and electronics on packaging materials can also allow active
monitoring of freshness and state of product and display information on the package. Intelligent
materials under development include laminar displays, freshness technology, counterfeit
protection, cool/heat technology, radio frequency identification (RFID), time temperature
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
36
indicators and smart inks. The current state of development and the uses of nanotechnology
products in food & drink have been listed in the table 15.
Already available on the market
Awaiting marketability
Under development Existing as concept
Food & Drink - Nanoemulsions
- Nanocomposite barrier packaging
- Nanoporous membranes for processing
- Super hydrophobic surfaces
- Controlled release seed coatings
- Pathogen detection with nanoparticles
- Nano encapsulated nutraceuticals
- Programmable barrier properties in coatings that allow control over packaging's internal moisture, atmospheric environment
- Electronic tongue
- Smart paper for information display and interactivity on packaging
Table 15: Current state of development and the uses of nanotechnology products in food & drink
(Source: ION Publishing).
4.4 Key applications and market opportunities to 2015 The global market for nanotechnology in the food and drink industry is around US$105 million in
2007, mainly in the packaging area. Few nano-based products are marketed in other areas of
the sector and those coming onto the market will likely be first used at the processing stage. It
is forecast that nano-based products and processes will be worth US$2.135 billion to the food
and drink industry by 2015.
4.5 Global market for nano-enabled food and beverage packaging
With the increasing global customer base, food retailing is transforming. However, with the
move toward globalization, food packaging requires longer shelf life, along with monitoring food
safety and quality based upon international standards. To address these needs, nanotechnology
is enabling new food and beverage packaging technologies. Applications in nano-enabled
packaging span development of improved tastes, color, flavor, texture and consistency of
foodstuffs, increased absorption and bio-availability of nutrients and health supplements, new
food packaging materials with improved mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties, and
nano-sensors for traceability and monitoring the condition of food during transport and storage.
According to a latest study from iRAP, Inc., Nano-Enabled Packaging for the Food and
Beverage Industry – A Global Technology, Industry and Market Analysis, the total nano-
enabled food and beverage packaging market in the year 2008 was $4.13 billion, which is
expected to grow in 2009 to $4.21 billion and forecasted to grow to $7.30 billion by 2014, at a
CAGR of 11.65%. Active technology represents the largest share of the market, and will continue
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
37
to do so in 2014, with $4.35 billion in sales, and the intelligent segment will grow to $2.47 billion
sales.
Other highlights of the study are as follows:
Among active technologies, oxygen scavenger, moisture absorbers and barrier packaging
represent more than 80% of the current market.
Time/temperature indicators are a major share of intelligent packaging, with radio
frequency identification data tags (RFIDs) forecasted to show the strongest growth in this
category in the future.
In food products, the bakery and meat products categories have attracted the most nano-
packaging applications, and in beverages, carbonated drinks and bottled water dominate.
Among the regions, Asia/Pacific, in particular Japan, is the market leader in active nano-
enabled packaging, with 45% of the current market, valued at $1.86 billion in 2008 and
projected to grow to $3.43 billion by 2014, at a CAGR of 12.63%.
In the United States, Japan, and Australia, active packagings are already being successfully
applied to extend shelf-life while maintaining nutritional quality and ensuring
microbiological safety. Examples of commercial applications include the use of oxygen
scavengers for sliced processed meat, ready-to-eat meals and beer, the use of moisture
absorbers for fresh meat, poultry, and fresh fish, and ethylene-scavenging bags for
packaging of fruit and vegetables. In Europe, however, only a few of these systems have
been developed and are being applied now. The main reasons for this are legislative
restrictions and a lack of knowledge about acceptability to European consumers, as well as
the efficacy of such systems and the economic and environmental impact such systems may
have. The European “Actipak” project will address these issues in the near future.
Nanoclays have shown the broadest commercial viability due to their lower cost and their
utility in common thermoplastics like polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO),
PET, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and nylon.
Nano-enabled Packaging in the Food and Beverage Market Segmented by Technology, 2008, 2009 and 2014 ($ Billions)
2008 2009 2014
CAGR (%)
2009-2014
Active packaging 2.74 2.79 4.35 9.29
Intelligent packaging 1.03 1.05 2.47 18.7
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Controlled release pkg. 0.36 0.37 0.48 5.23
Total Market 4.13 4.21 7.30 11.65
Nano-enabled Packaging in the food and beverage Market Segmented by Technology in
2009 and 2014
(%)
Source: iRAP, Inc.
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Figure 9: Food & Drink Nanotechnology Implementation Market: Revenue Forecasts (World),
Million US$, 2006-2015 (Source: ION Publishing).
Figure 10 illustrates the projected percentage breakdown by application area based on
nanotechnology by 2015 in the food and drink sector. The main percentage of revenue for the
“nanotechnology market” will be generated by packaging, although by 2015 the sector will have
progressed from simple barrier protection to interactive and smart packaging. Nutrient and
flavour delivery is still a grey area at present due to uncertain consumer perceptions of
nanotechnology in foods; however R&D is underway at large food companies-these companies
are also keen to incorporate nano into processing equipment applications.
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Figure 10: Food & Drink Nanotechnology Implementation Market: Estimated Breakdown by
Application (World), 2015 (Source: ION Publishing).
It is expected that 29 % of all food and drink applications, from processing to final products,
available in 2015 will incorporate some form of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology based
applications such as will start to make an impact from 2012 as materials costs for packaging
decrease.
Figure 11: Food & Drink Nanotechnology Implementation Market: Concept Penetration Forecast
(World), 2006-2015 (Source: ION Publishing).
Packaging
49%
Agricultural
production
4%
Nutrient and
flavour delivery
19%
Processing &
Safety
28%
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2012
2013
2014
2015
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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4.5 Market for nanomaterials in food and drink Figure 12 illustrates the projected percentage breakdown of nanomaterials usage by 2015 in the
food & drink sector.
Figure 12: Food & Drink Nanotechnology Implementation Market: Estimated Breakdown by
Application Materials Demand (World), 2015 (Source: ION Publishing).
4.6 Nanosensors Biosensors with components and materials made by microfabrication or nanofabrication
technologies will be integrated and miniaturized, and be used to replace existing, more time
consuming analytical methods for monitoring and detecting. Nano-sized and miniaturized
integrated sensors capable of high sensitivity, specificity, robustness and low cost; to create
integrated sensor systems for monitoring human metabolites for in home health care, to create
real-time sensor systems for use in healthcare, environmental monitoring and bioprocessing
industries that help speed product throughput and decrease product costs. Applications include
food, beverage, environmental, chemical, pharmaceutical, bioprocessing and clinical diagnostics.
The electronic tongue is one example that promises to give accurate and reliable taste
measurements for companies currently relying on human tasters for their quality control of
wine, tea, coffee, mineral water and other foods. The concept for the electronic tongue is
closely based on a model of the human tongue, in which taste buds are believed to distinguish
up to five basic taste types: sour, sweet, salty, bitter and umami (the taste of monosodium
glutamate).
Nanoencapsulation
13%
Nanosensors
17%
Nanoparticles
12%
Nanoporous
membranes
8%
Nanocomposites
27%
Nanocoatings
23%
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Give a self heating or self-cooling container a label incorporating thermochromic ink as part of
the design, and the package becomes ‘smart’ in that it informs the consumer when the
container contents have reached the correct serving temperature. Other visual signals might
include time-temperature integration information for shelf-life sensitive products or stress or
applied loading indicators that change colour at a certain stress threshold.
With the continual development of smart materials and systems and their application to
innovative package design and construction, additional communication and sensing
functionalities will become possible via photovoltaic, photochromic, piezochromic and
hydrochromic materials, applied as inks during the printing/decoration process. Intelligent and
responsive food packaging materials reliably indicating food freshness/ripeness and food
authenticity/origin which would supercede and make redundant 'use-by' and 'sell-by' dates.
Figure 13: Food & Drink Nanotechnology Implementation Market: Revenue Forecasts
nanosensors (World), Million US$, 2006-2015 (Source: ION Publishing).
4.7 Nanoencapsulation The exploitation of the nanoscale promises new delivery systems for biologically active materials
for: delivery of flavours and nutraceuticals and the utilization of complex phase behaviour in
food and beverage products for: improved texture, taste, nutrient release, appearance and
colour. Altering existing food products on the nanoscale will allow for better delivery of flavour,
antioxidants, vitamins and nutrition.
Nanoencapsulation technologies can be applied to solve problems related to controlled storage
and release of flavours and nutrition in the food and beverage sector. The possibility of tailoring
different functionalities, impregnating organic substances both inside capsule volume and in a
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shell, allowing for the controlled release of encapsulated material is of great interest to this
industry. Encapsulation in food and beverage is necessary for a number of reasons:
Enhance product sensory profile: taste and odour masking;
Protect sensitive ingredients from processing;
Enhance bioavailability: chemical stability, solubility, cell viability;
Controlled release: targeting of bioactives to specific GI tract sites.
Nano-enabled delivery systems are likely to find application for individualizing food
consumption to ensure optimal health. One possible example is a delivery vehicle will possess a
recognition capability that will allow a bioactive compound to be only released in the presence
of certain critical biochemical or genetic markers that are specific to each individual consumer.
Bioactive packaging could allow for integration and controlled release of bioactive components
or nano components from biodegradable and/or sustainable packaging systems; micro- and
nanoencapsulation of these active substances either in the packaging and/or within foods and
packaging provided with enzymatic activity exerting a health-promoting benefit through
transformation of specific food-borne components.
Figure 14: Food & Drink Nanotechnology Implementation Market: Revenue Forecasts
nanosensors (World), Million US$, 2006-2015 (Source: ION Publishing).
4.8 Nanocoatings In the field of nanotechnology-based thin films and coatings, new approaches using nanoscale
effects can be used to design, create or model nanocoating systems with significantly optimized
or enhanced properties of high interest to the food and drink industry. With the development of
nanotechnology in various areas of materials science the potential use of novel surfaces and
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more reliable materials by employing nanocomposite and nanostructured thin films in food
packaging and novel polymeric containers for food contact.
In this field of new packaging technologies, nanostructured architectures coatings such as
nanocomposite films are given the unique role of enhancing food impact over the consumer’s
health. For example, the unique properties of diamond like carbon (DLC) film under
development including its chemical inertness and impermeability, make it possible for new
applications in the food and drink sector. Most foods deteriorate in quality during transport,
processing, and storage through contamination, which occurs by growth of microorganisms,
enzymatic or nonenzymatic chemical reactions, and from physical changes. Antimicrobial
packaging can inhibit the growth of pathogenic or spoilage organisms on food surfaces, and
thus, can contribute to extending the shelf life of packaged foods.
Nanoparticles of zinc oxide and magnesium oxide have been shown to be effective in killing
microorganisms.6 This could provide a cheap, safe alternative to nano-sized silver, which has
good antimicrobial properties, but is expensive and as a heavy metal, is not suitable for human
contact. Other authors have concluded that a combination of nisin and a-tocopherol in a 3 mm
thick coating conferred both antimicrobial and antioxidative properties.7
Figure 15: Food & Drink Nanotechnology Implementation Market: Revenue Forecasts
Nanocoatings (World), Million US$, 2006-2015 (Source: ION Publishing).
6 Yulan Ding & Malcolm Povey.
7 Chan Ho Lee et al., Journal of Food Engineering 62 (2004) 323–329.
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4.9 Nanocomposites Nanotechnology is already finding application in the packaging, one of largest global
manufacturing sectors. Nanocomposite technology is being applied to the production of
breathable films with chemical and physical properties for product packaging. By incorporation
of biocompatible nanoparticles into a well-defined mesoporous framework, it is possible to
create an interface within the porous structure of the film. The nanosized pores can physically
impede the passage of microorganisms (for example bacteria), and on the other hand, the nano-
interface of pores can shield products from damaging light, or chemically neutralize the effect of
gases like ethylene. Already developed is a polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) nanocomposite
with a year-long shelf-life.
Smart packaging is an area currently under development where the package not only contains
and protects the product but also functionally enhances the product, or aspects of product
consumption, convenience and security. Consumers of the future will be older, more technically
aware and willing to pay for lifestyle and convenience factors, particularly associated with the
consumption of packaged food and beverage products.
Drivers include:
More effective communication
Packaging that opens more easily, is more easily disposed of with less waste
Packaging that does more than simply contain and protect the product, and gives
information
Make products easier/more effective in use
Heat/cool products
Help retain/monitoring quality & safety, especially of food products
Help prevent errors/track & track
Anti-counterfeiting.
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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Figure 16: Food & Drink Nanotechnology Implementation Market: Revenue Forecasts
nanosensors (World), Million US$, 2006-2015 (Source: ION Publishing).
From
http://www.nanoforum.org/dateien/temp/nanotechnology%20in%20agriculture%20and%20foo
d.pdf:
4.10 Nanoporous membranes Current filtration applications are focused on beer, milk, pharmaceutical and environmental
filtration applications. This year micro and nanosieve filtration membranes are being introduced
in the market by companies with a good reputation for rapid detection of micro-organisms (PCR,
fluorescence microscopy) in food and beverages.
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Figure 17: Food & Drink Nanotechnology Implementation Market: Revenue Forecasts
nanosensors (World), Million US$, 2006-2015 (Source: ION Publishing).
4.11 Key Players Table 16 shows nanomaterials suppliers, application manufacturers and end users and their
specific areas of concentration for the nanotechnology implementation in the Food and Drink
sector. This also gives an insight on the emerging areas of the Food and Drink sector where
nanotechnology will have impact in the short to medium term.
Company Agricultural production
Packaging Processing & Safety Nutrient and flavour delivery
AC Serendip Ltd. ●
Advanced Nanotechnology
●
AgroMicron Ltd ●
Ambri Pty Ltd ●
Aquamarijn ●
Aquanova ●
Bayer ● ●
Biodelivery Sciences ●
Bühler AG ●
Chengdu Somo Nano-biology Co., Ltd
●
China Beijing Penta Nanotech Co., Ltd
●
Cornelius Group ●
Crown Bio ●
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Technology Ltd
DGTec ●
Heinz
Honeywell ●
InMat ●
Iota NanoSolutions Limited
●
Kodak ●
Kraft ● ●
Landec Corporation ●
Leatherhead Food International Ltd.
●
Nanocor ●
Nanomi ●
Nanosciences Inc. ●
Nanova ●
NGimat ●
Nestle ● ●
Nutralease ●
PChem Associates ●
Proctor & Gamble ● ●
Protista International AB
●
Surface Innovations Ltd
●
Unilever ● ● ●
Table 16: Food & Drink Nanotechnology Implementation Market: Supplier Versus Product Matrix
(World), 2007 (Source: ION Publishing).
5 TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS: PROCESSING AND SAFETY Food safety is one of the key issues of the food industry as, for example, contamination of foods
with pathogen bacteria has consequences not only for the consumer who becomes ill, but also
for the food producer who loses creditability and often suffers financial losses. There is
therefore a need to develop rapid and portable biosensors for the detection of pathogens,
pollutants and toxins in the environment and for food diagnostics. Biosensors can be applied in
processing of foods for monitoring.
Another important aspect is the impact of foods on health and disease prevention. These areas
are of major public interest and require increased insight into material science with respect to
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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the production facilities, analytical methods for detection and quantification of both food safety
concerns and impact on food quality, and finally a more thorough understanding of chemical,
molecular, and physical composition of foods and their effect on our well-being. These
challenges call for the use of new methodologies including a number of available
nanotechnological tools.
Much of the equipment used in the food industry is manufactured from stainless steel. Several
major food manufacturers have carried out tests on the effectiveness of coatings to reduce
microbial attachment and subsequent biofilm development on such equipment. Whilst
effectiveness on SS surfaces can be achieved in the lab, the tests failed to produce effective
treatments when tested in factories where equipment is treated harshly, particularly during
cleaning at the end of each day. The coatings are damaged and then hamper cleaning.
Data is available to show that ‘residuals’ remaining on and adhered to surfaces after cleaning
and disinfection can ‘condition’ a surface such that they reduce its ability for soil and microbial
attachment. This phenomenon offers the opportunity to restrict biofilm development. Whilst
existing chemicals, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, have a beneficial effect, there is
the potential for incorporating ‘additives’ into the cleaning and disinfection solutions.
Various research groups are considering suitable ‘additives”. For example, some researchers are
considering the effects of adsorption and denaturation of proteins on the subsequent ability of
cells to adhere to surfaces while others are considering the use of synthetic nanoparticles.
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5.1 Aquamarijn Micro Filtration bv
Products/Technology Platform
Aquamarijn Research develops and produces various nanostructures for sensor and electronics devices, including single nanopore membrane, nanoelectrodes, nanoresonators and especially ready for measurement nanowire chips. All these nanostructures with the dimensions of the active part down to a few nanometers can be used to build up many kinds of smart and powerful nanodevices that have been reported recently by researchers around the world. Our advantages are that we combine various “high tech equipment” together with “our proprietary developed processes” to make the above nanostructures inexpensive, thus offering nanostructures with a high added value at low-cost for further development and incorporation in final devices.
The company has developed advanced micro and nanofiltration technology through use of their membranes. Aquamarijn use microsystem technology to manufacture membranes (microsieves) with very well defined pore size. These membranes are very thin for a maximum product flux and can be tailored to the needs of the application (porosity, shape, pore size, material, specific coatings etc.).
The membranes, called microsieves or nanosieves, are made with micro system technology and are constructed from silicon or polymer based materials. Current filtration applications are focused on beer, milk, pharmaceutical and environmental filtration applications. This year micro and nanosieve filtration membranes are being introduced in the market by companies with a good reputation for rapid detection of micro-organisms (PCR, fluorescence microscopy) in food and beverages.
The microsieve (with perfect pores ranging from 100nm to 10µm) enables other research companies to enter the nano domain: making it possible to pattern structures with functional layers (anchor points for self assembled monolayers). The technology can also be used to generate droplets for drug delivery, nanoencapsulation or functional foods.
Web www.microsieve.com
Contact details Wietze Nijdam
Aquamarijn Micro Filtration bv
Berkelkade 11
NL 7201 JE Zutphen
T: +31 575519751
5.2 Cornell University, Department of Textiles and Apparel
Products/Technology Platform
This research group is developing bacteria absorbent nanofibres with potential for antibacterial wipes. Users would wipe the napkin across a surface and the tagged nanofibres would signal the presence of a pathogen or other hazard by changing colour or through another effect when the antibodies attach to their targets.
Web http://people.ccmr.cornell.edu/~frey/
Contact details Margaret Frey
Assistant Professor
Department of Textiles and Apparel
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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299 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall
Cornell University
T: +1 6072551937
5.3 Iota NanoSolutions Limited
Products/Technology Platform
Unilever spin out focusing on hydrophobic coatings. The company is specialising in the delivery and formulation of poorly soluble ingredients. IOTA's proprietary platform technologies allow the transformation of insoluble materials into dry solid formats that form nanodispersions on contact with a range of liquids. The nanodispersions enable the enhanced formulation and performance of insoluble materials in various environments and in so doing address many of the issues that restrict the exploitation of insoluble/poorly soluble active ingredients.
Web www.iotanano.com
Contact details IOTA NanoSolutions Ltd
MerseyBIO
Crown Street
Liverpool
L69 7ZB
UK
T: +44 (0)151 795 4219
5.4 Nanopool GmbH
Products/Technology Platform
Ultra thin nano layers for easy-to-clean surfaces and water and dirt repelling surfaces.
Web www.nanopool.biz
Contact details nanopool® GmbH
Zum Felsacker 76
D - 66773 Hülzweiler-Schwalbach
T: +49(0)6831 - 890 2712
5.5 Leatherhead Food International Ltd
Products/Technology Platform
A main research focus is related to the field of nanomaterials (e.g. nanoparticles and sensor chips) and nanocomposites (e.g. nanofiltration matrices). Through collaboration with companies, the research team has developed and validated numerous interphase technologies that provide solutions for the industry (food and water sectors). Examples of
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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successful applications include the following:
Immunomagnetic micro- and nano-particles for real-time capture and analysis of microorganisms (e.g. Salmonella, Listeria and yeasts) in foods and beverages;
Aluminium oxide nanofibre/glass composites for the real-time concentration and detection of foodborne viruses.
In addition, within the company, they have significant tract record/expertise in Microbiology, and have carried out a number of studies on biofilm formation and prevention using model surfaces, and studying effects of microbial signaling molecules.
Web www.leatherheadfood.com
Contact details Leatherhead Food International Ltd.
Randalls Road
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 7RY
T: +44 1372822200
5.6 Nano Hygiene Coatings Limited
Products/Technology Platform
The company develops easy-clean and antimicrobial coatings. The sol gel process is used for producing formulation. It can be applied using spraying, dipping, painting, rolling, flow casting. Thickness of coating is 5 micron without pigment and 15 microns with pigment. Life expectancy is generally higher in non-corrosive environments.
Web www.nanohygienecoatings.co.uk
Contact details Mildmay Close
Stratford upon Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 9FR
T: +44 (0) 844 588 3103
5.7 Nanosens
Products/Technology Platform
Biosensors based on microcantilevers have become a promising tool for directly detecting biomolecular interactions with great accuracy. Microcantilevers translate molecular recognition of biomolecules into nanomechanical motion that is commonly coupled to an optical or piezoresistive read-out detector system. Biosensors based on cantilevers are a good example of how nanotechnology and biotechnology can converge.
High-throughput platforms using arrays of cantilevers have been developed for simultaneous measurement and read-out of hundreds of samples. As a result, many interesting applications have been performed and the first sensor platforms are being commercialized.
Nanosens make portable sensing systems for ultrasensitive and rapid detection of biological and chemical species. At present the company is looking at applications for the life sciences, health care, security and water control and nano gas sensors for the automotive industry, pollution control, safety and health.
Web www.nanosens.nl
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Contact details Dr. Hien Duy Tong
Berkelkade 11
NL 7201 JE
Zutphen
The Netherlands
T: +31575519751
5.8 Protista International AB
Products/Technology Platform
Protista are developing supermacroporous gels to assist in the separation of nanoparticles (e.g. organelles and viruses). This technology has application in food processing.
Web www.protista.se
Contact details Protista International AB
P.O. Box 86
SE-267 22 Bjuv
Sweden
T: +46 4282910
5.9 University of Glasgow, Department of Electronics and Electrical
Engineering
Products/Technology Platform
- The development of domestic and industrial sensor systems for odour (e.g. electronic nose), temperature, water quality, particulate air quality (e.g. pollen/dust), surface contamination monitoring (e.g. bacteria on kitchen work surfaces);
- Automatic release mechanisms based on microactuation (micromechanical or electrochemical) for disinfectant, deodorant or other aquatic or atmospheric release of chemicals;
- Closed loop operation of sensor/actuation mechanisms by means of low cost microelectronics and integrated microdevices (Micro Deployment Systems).
Web www.elec.gla.ac.uk
Contact details David Cumming
Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering
University of Glasgow
Glasgow
G12 8LT
T: +44 1413305233
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5.10 University of London, Queen Mary, Department of Materials
Products/Technology Platform
Polyelectrolyte based capsules have been recently proposed as a novel type of microcontainers with multifunctional properties. These capsules are made by layer-by-layer adsorption of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes on colloidal template particles, including emulsions, of 0.05 – 20 µm diameter with sequential removal of the template core. A great variety of materials including synthetic and natural polyelectrolytes, proteins, multivalent ions, organic nanoparticles, lipids were used to build walls of hollow capsules.
The possibility of tailoring different functionalities, impregnating inorganic and organic substances both inside capsule volume and in polyelectrolyte shell, controlled release of encapsulated material provided continuous scientific and industrial interest for employing capsules as microcontainers and microreactors.
Smart polymers involved in capsule build-up exhibit reversible sensitivity to environmental conditions, such as temperature, pH, ions, etc. Inorganic nanoparticles incorporated to polyelectrolyte shell makes possible the remote activated release by ultrasound or infrared radiation. The possibilities for practical applications on living systems are illustrated.
As new developments these technologies of micro-encapsulation can be applied to solve problems related to controlled storage and release of flavours and other volatile chemicals. This includes:
- to develop methodology of encapsulation of industrially important and environmentally sensitive volatile products (flavours, aromas);
- to develop new technologies to solve industrially (safe handling and storage, environment protection, food industry, cosmetology and drug delivery) problems related to controlled release of gases and volatile chemicals, to develop and produce new types of trappers for aromas molecules, to develop novel techniques on nano-engineered shells with low permeability and controlled properties;
- to impart certain characteristics (magnetism, fluorescence, mechanical, biodegradability and biocompatibility) to polyelectrolyte capsules via entrapment of nanoparticles with desirable properties or via modification of shell polymer;
- to develop new knowledge for cost-efficient production of gas trapping nanocapsules and produce the new type of microcontainers for volatile storage, delivery and release with high controlled properties.
Web www.materials.qmul.ac.uk/staff/[email protected]
Contact details Prof. Gleb Sukhorukov
Chair in Biopolymers
Department of Materials
Queen Mary
University of London
Mile End Road
London, E1 4NS
T: +44 207882 5508
5.11 University of Melbourne, Particulate Fluids Processing Group
Products/Technology Platform
In the Particulate Fluids Processing Group they are developing new high performance adsorbents for bioprocess engineering based on templated nanoporous silica materials.
Global Market and Applications for Nanotechnology in the Food and Drink Industries
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This could potentially lead to significant advances in advanced materials and adsorbent technology, downstream processing for the biotechnology industries, and understanding of highly specific affinity interactions used for difficult bioseparations.
The technology could have important benefits for processes involving protein purification, such as bioplasma processing, as well as flow on effects to other applications of adsorbent technology such as food processing and water treatment.
Web www.pfpc.unimelb.edu.au
Contact details Dr Andrea O’Connor
Dept. of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Melbourne
Vic 3010
T: + 61 383448962
5.12 University of Surrey, School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences
Products/Technology Platform
Research in this group is on smart materials/membranes and application to diagnostics, environment, medicine and food. They are developing smart material patch-type indicators for specific nanoscale recognition of small and/or large molecules. Small molecules include analgesic drugs, metabolites, phenols and acids. Phenols are an important class of antioxidants. Using the smart patches, antioxidant content in foodstuffs can be determined in real-time as well as changes in pH of foodstuffs. The latter could be an indicator of rancidity. They are also developing smart materials for highly specific detection of large molecules (including proteins and enzymes). They are developing a novel class of hydrogel-based molecular imprinted polymers capable of highly specific protein recognition. They are also developing portable electrochemical sensor devices based on these materials. The smart materials when integrated with the sensor device are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use.
Web www.surrey.ac.uk/SBMS/
Contact details Dr Subrayal Reddy
University of Surrey
School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences
Guildford
Surrey
T: +44 1483686396
5.13 University of Twente, Faculty of Science & Technology
Products/Technology Platform
Regularly occurring food scares and several food scandals underline the importance of food analysis. Food analysis can be carried out as a quality assurance measure early in the processing chain as well as later to ensure food safety. Independent of the purpose of testing, requirements for (and stakes in) food analysis are high.
Preferred techniques are non-destructive or in need of little sample material for representative results. Also, analysis must be fast and cheap, if possible suited for the determination of multiple components in one run. Automation of the measurement should
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be possible, sample preparation should be easy. Finally, the method of choice must be robust and reliable.
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been gaining terrain in the area of food analysis recently. SPR is a label-free measurement technique, its merits have been demonstrated on the ‘conventional scale’ for various matrices and analytes, e.g. antibiotics in milk, added vitamins in baby formula, hormones in meat.
Miniaturization in combination with SPR detection opens up the way to true multiplex analysis, to determine multiple (e.g. hundreds to eventually thousands) of components in one sample. The benefits are obvious: small sample sizes, one sample treatment per analysis with multiple components detected in parallel.
Figure: SPR Measurement Principle (Source: Biochip Group Twente).
In the Biochip Group at the University of Twente they are using microfabricated devices in combination with SPR for label-free determination of multiple components in complex matrices.
Web www.mesaplus.utwente.nl/biochip/
Contact details Dr. Richard Schasfoort
Biochip Group (BPE)
Faculty of Science & Technology
University of Twente
5.14 University of Wales Bangor, The Institute for Bioelectronic and
Molecular Microsystems
Products/Technology Platform
The electronic tongue promises to give accurate and reliable taste measurements for companies currently relying on human tasters for their quality control of wine, tea, coffee, mineral water and other foods. The concept for the electronic tongue is closely based on a model of the human tongue, in which taste buds are believed to distinguish up to five basic taste types: sour, sweet, salty, bitter and umami (the taste of monosodium glutamate).
While it is thought the response of tongue to any food or drink is likely to be complex, it is believed the brain learns to recognise a whole range of taste sensations by associating them with a “fingerprint” response from the taste receptors. Have developed the concept of an electronic tongue based on four miniature chemical sensors.
Each sensor contains a different combination of polymers and metals ions deposited on
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interdigitated gold electrodes. The chemical composition of each miniature sensor makes it “selective” to the molecules responsible for a particular taste sensation. By analysing the response of the four sensors to a liquid e.g. tea, coffee, wine etc it has been shown that it is possible to produce an electronic fingerprint of the taste and to distinguish between different waters, teas, coffees and wines.
Web www.informatics.bangor.ac.uk
Contact details Dr M W Holmes
Commercial Manager
The Institute for Bioelectronic and Molecular Microsystems
School of Informatics
University of Wales Bangor
Dean Street
Bangor
LL57 1UT
T: +44 1248382010
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6 TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS: PACKAGING The technology requirements for packaging are constantly evolving, with manufacturers, brand
owners and consumers seeking improved product features and performance. With packaging
there is limited scope for improving pack geometry, and only a little more for improving
materials processing and pack constructional detail. However there is scope for improvement in
material performance and the exploitation of nanomaterials is a real opportunity to improve
performance and to reduce costs.
The properties afforded by exploitation of the nanoscale can significantly increase the shelf life,
efficiently preserve flavor & color, and facilitate transportation & usage of food and beverages.
The development of novel functional hybrid food/ packaging systems will provide alternative,
more efficient and, in some cases, unique industrial means to provide foods with improved
impact on human health upon consumption.
Packaging has an important role to play in food safety with potential applications of nano
enabled packaging allow for detection of pathogens and microbial contamination, as well as
optimal product quality (ripeness). Recent technological developments have enabled the food
industry to create active packaging that prolongs food quality and shelf life and nanotechnology
will continue to enhance this area. We are already witnessing the replacement of traditional
“packing” with multi-functional intelligent packaging methods to improve the quality of the
packaging contents and provide both supplier and consumer information.
As well as enhancement of the raw materials using in packaging, nanotechnology will also allow
for further added value features through the exploitation of intelligent materials. These include
plastic films pre-impregnated with oxygen absorbers, ethylene absorbers and moisture
absorbers. For PET bottles gases such as oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are able to
permeate the microstructure of the bottle wall. In juices, for example, vitamins, flavorings and
colorings are impaired significantly during storage as a result of this permeation, leading to a
reduction of shelf life. The market therefore requires the packaging industry to provide a
technically and commercially convincing barrier solution for this purpose. Nanomaterials can
allow for gas/water vapor permeability to fit the requirements of reserving fruit, vegetable,
beverage and other foods.
The incorporation of sensors and electronics on packaging materials can also allow active
monitoring of freshness and state of product and display information on the package. Intelligent
materials under development include laminar displays, freshness technology, counterfeit
protection, cool/heat technology, radio frequency identification (RFID), time temperature
indicators and smart inks. Applications currently being explored include:
Advanced security features
Programmable barrier properties in coatings that allow control over packaging's internal moisture, atmospheric environment, etc.;
Self-cleaning surfaces that destroy fungi and bacteria, extending food's shelf life and providing hygiene properties by neutralizing harmful microorganisms;
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Smart paper for information display and interactivity on packaging;
Biocomposites from nanocellulose and biopolymers that have combined properties surpassing those of each individual component;
Nano reinforcement: fibre engineering to enhance the strength of board and thus reducing materials; improve bonding and reduce web breaks; improve paper quality; improve efficacy;
Superhydrophobic surfaces;
Modified Atmosphere Packaging;
Oxygen-Scavenging Packaging;
UV quenchers;
Nanoencapsulation for controlled/sustained release;
Adsorption of organic and inorganic contaminants using modified nanoclays;
Hybrid organic inorganic nanocomposite coating via sol gel chemistry for the realization of barrier layers.
Oxygen scavenging
Oxygen has many destructive properties and often there are instances where presence of the
element is not wished. Such circumstances might include electronic and opto-electronic devices,
and modified atmosphere packaging manufacture. Oxygen scavengers act to reduce the
concentration of oxygen in order to preserve the life of the substance it aims to protect.
Current agents include ascorbic acid or finely divided iron, however, these agents often have
short shelf lives and require special packaging environments. Nanomaterials allow for oxygen
scavenging which circumvents these problems.
Commercial examples of nanomaterials currently used for food and beverage packaging include
Durethan, a transparent plastic film containing nanoparticles of clay, produced by Bayer. The
nanoparticles are dispersed throughout the plastic and are able to block oxygen, carbon dioxide
and moisture from reaching fresh meats or other foods. Other companies producing packaging
materials in this market include Nanocor, who produce nanocomposites for use in plastic beer
bottles. These, however, are relatively low-end applications and there are cost constraints that
restrict their widespread uptake; besides there are more interesting oxygen scavenging
applications on the way.
Anti-microbial techniques
Most foods deteriorate in quality during transport, processing, and storage through
contamination, which occurs by growth of microorganisms, enzymatic or nonenzymatic
chemical reactions, and from physical changes. Antimicrobial packaging can inhibit the growth
of pathogenic or spoilage organisms on food surfaces, and thus, can contribute to extending the
shelf life of packaged foods.
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Nanoparticles of zinc oxide and magnesium oxide have been shown to be effective in killing
microorganisms8. This could provide a cheap, safe alternative to nano-sized silver, which has
good antimicrobial properties, but is expensive and as a heavy metal, is not suitable for human
contact. Other authors have concluded that a combination of nisin and a-tocopherol in a 3 mm
thick coating conferred both antimicrobial and antioxidative properties9.
Bioactive packaging could allow for integration and controlled release of bioactive components
or nanocomponents from biodegradable and/or sustainable packaging systems; micro- and
nanoencapsulation of these active substances either in the packaging and/or within foods and
packaging provided with enzymatic activity exerting a health-promoting benefit through
transformation of specific food-borne components.
Tracking and tracing
The tagging of food packaging with nano enabled sensors could allow for the monitoring of food
from “farm to fork”, allowing for in situ information at all steps of the process on the detection
of pathogens, temperature changes, leakages; which would allow a producer to maximize its
supply chain. One of the problems that the food industry and retailers face is how to tell
whether a food package has been opened or tampered with. One solution that has been
proposed is the application of a novel nanocrystalline indicator in the form of an oxygen
intelligence ink that is printable on most surfaces. Such ink can be composed of UV light
activated nanocrystalline particles of a semiconductor (usually titanium dioxide).
Tracking and tracing also allows for improved choice for consumers. Greater transparency
allows for consumers to make more informed choices. Electronics built on thin film laminate
substrates that could be used in future sensory packaging applications. The development of
sensory packaging that can monitor the conditions of pharmaceuticals and foods that are
affected by changes in temperature, humidity and shock. Nano barcodes are being developed by
Nanoplex, a spin-off from Surramed. When applied to products, the barcodes give each their
own unique identities. The treated product can then be tracked.
6.1 Antaria Limited
Products/Technology Platform
Antaria produces a wide range of nano-sized powders, from 5nm in width, for the global chemical, electronics, cosmetics, packaging and energy sectors. Originally a spin-off company from the University of Western Australia, Advanced Nano has full-scale
8 Yulan Ding & Malcolm Povey
9 Chan Ho Lee et al., Journal of Food Engineering 62 (2004) 323–329
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manufacturing using its patented mechanochemical processing (MCP™) technology. Antaria’s advanced Nano materials have enhanced UV absorption, abrasion resistance, conductivity, infra-red reflection, and antibacterial properties, are of higher quality and lower cost than has been possible before now.
Web www.antaria.com
Contact details 3 Brodie Hall Drive
Bentley
Western Australia
6102
T: +61 (8) 6253 5300
6.2 Crown Bio Technology Limited
Products/Technology Platform
The company have some unique ideas on near to market nano applications, related to release agents, freshness compounds (packaging aspects), and sustainable packaging (recyclable). Other areas that they may have applications which can be "nanoised" are microfluidic dispensing, bio enzyme valving and freshness dosing.
Web www.crownbiosystems.com
Contact details Edward Bell, Managing Director
Crown Bio Technology Ltd
Knowledge Dock Business Centre
Room 51
University of East London
4-6 University Way
London, E16 2RD
T: +44 7776067616
6.3 CVD Technologies Limited
Products/Technology Platform
Thin film coating - primarily using chemical vapour deposition techniques to produce these films. The company is currently involved in work on photoactive films. These films are inert but have inherent self-clean, surface energy (e.g. wetting-hydrophilic or hydrophobic) and anti-bacterial properties. The films are activated by daylight (or artificial light);
Such technology has been applied to window coatings e.g. Pilkington. Areas such as multi-use direct contact points (door handles/toilets etc) and food handling storage are obvious potential areas;
Other applications in food/medicine/drug /contact lens storage etc.
Web www.cvdtechnologies.com
Contact details Professor David Sheel
CVD Technologies Ltd
Cockcroft Building
University of Salford
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Salford, M5 4WT
T: +44 1612953711/5111
6.4 EVAL
Products/Technology Platform
The company produces a nanocomposite barrier film for food packaging.
Web www.eval.be
Contact details EVAL Europe nv
Haven 1053,
Nieuwe weg 1 - Bus 10
B-2070 Zwijndrecht (Antwerp)
Belgium
T: +32 3 250 97 33
6.5 Ingenia Technology Limited
Products/Technology Platform
Ingenia Technology Limited have a technology called the Laser Surface Authentication system (LSA) which recognises the inherent 'fingerprint' within all materials such as paper, plastic, metal and ceramics. The technology has application in the authentication and verification of papers, plastics and metals, as used in documents, ID cards and product packaging.
Web www.ingeniatechnology.com
Contact details Ingenia Technology Limited
4-6 Throgmorton Avenue London EC2N 2DL, UK
T: + 44 (0) 207 256 9267
6.6 InMat
Products/Technology Platform
The company produce gas barrier polymeric coatings for packaging applications with the same level of barrier achieved with coatings on different substrates (OPP same as PET). Nanolok coatings start as aqueous suspensions of nanodispersed silicates in a polymer matrix. They are environmentally friendly, and can be applied via gravure coating processes to polyester film (or other substrates using appropriate adhesives).
The Nanolok aqueous suspension is applied via roll (or dip, or spray) coating process onto a polyester film or other substrate. Once dry, a very thin coating (0.25-2 microns) of Nanolok forms on the substrate. This coating contains hundreds of nanodispersed platelets per micron of coating thickness. These platelets form a tortuous path for molecules such as oxygen and aromatics, dramatically increasing the barrier properties of
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the substrate.
Web www.inmat.com
Contact details InMat
216 Route 206, Suite 7
Hillsborough
NJ 08844
T: +1 9088747788
6.7 Nano Scale Surface Systems, Inc.
Products/Technology Platform
The company specializes in nanocoatings in plastic/polymer 2 and 3 dimensional substrates (inside and out) It can coat the inside of plastic bottles with SiOx coatings to increase their resistance to oxygen and water vapour.
Web www.ns3inc.com
Contact details Nano Scale Surface Systems, Inc.
2021 Alaska Packer Place #3
Alameda
CA 94501
T: +1 5108140340
6.8 NGF Europe
Products/Technology Platform
The company manufacture glass flake which is used to improve the barrier properties of coatings, polymers and rubbers. Whilst or standard products are micro rather than nanoscale they can manufacture much smaller flakes. This could help enhance the barrier properties of drinks bottles.
Web www.ngfeurope.com
Contact details David Mason, Business Development Manager
NGF Europe
Lea Green
St Helens, WA9 4PR
T: +44 1744853058
6.9 nGimat
Products/Technology Platform
The company develops carbon dioxide and oxygen gas barrier coatings to a range of polymers, including PET containers and PET/polyolefin films. NGimat’s coatings reduce the carbon dioxide diffusion through plastic soft drink bottles, thus extending shelf life and enabling smaller plastic beverage containers - extended shelf-life will lower
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producers' costs by reducing losses due to "stale" product.
NGimat has developed processes utilizing their proprietary Nanomiser device to apply carbon dioxide and oxygen gas barrier coatings to polymers such as PET containers and PET/polyolefin films.
Web www.ngimat.com
Contact details nGimat
5315 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Atlanta
GA 30341
T: +1 6782872400
6.10 PChem Associates
Products/Technology Platform
PChem Associates are developing antimicrobial plastic coatings for potential food packaging applications incorporating silver nanoparticles. The company claims that food preservation applications using nanosilver are feasible as a microbial and light reduction coating in packaging, films and storage containers. PChem’s technology enables novel new applications in smart packaging including sensors and interactive pharmaceutical packaging, due to inherent advantages, including cost advantage based on lower-input (raw materials and energy) process; quantum speed advantage vs. current screen-printing technology enabling extreme volumes; ability to print on many flexible substrates including paper; Environmentally friendly, water-based technology
Web www.nanopchem.com
Contact details PChem Associates
Suite D
3599 Marshall Lane
Bensalem
PA 19020
T: +1 215 244 4603
6.11 New Jersey Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry and
Environmental Sciences
Products/Technology Platform
Research is on modified nanotubes that could include the attachment of oxygen-scavenging compounds that inhibit the breakdown of the active ingredient in drugs, or indeed active sensor compounds that give a visual warning when a pack is exposed to biological, chemical or other environmental factors, or if the drug it contains is broken down. Similar ‘active packaging' approaches are being developed using polymers.
Web http://web.njit.edu/~mitra/personal.html
Contact details Somenath Mitra
Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
151 Tiernan Hall
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6.12 Pennsylvania State University, Food Science Department
Products/Technology Platform
Under development in this research group are "breathable" films with optimal permeability that are now used to reduce respiration, maintain quality and extend the shelf life of fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables.
Also developed are "active" packaging films with oxygen scavenging and/or antimicrobial properties that improve food safety and extend the shelf life of some packaged foods.
Web http://foodscience.psu.edu/
Contact details John D. Floros
Professor of Food Science and Department Head
The Pennsylvania State University
206 Food Science Building
University Park
PA 16802
T: +1 8148655444
6.13 Umicore Nanomaterials
Products/Technology Platform
For packaging applications ZANO®, NanoGrain® CeO2 and to a lesser extent NanoGrain® TiO2 (rutile) or Optisol® will improve UV resistance of plastics packaging materials. In addition, NanoGrain® TiO2 (rutile) has a potential to increase gas and moisture barrier properties of packaging films (poly-ethylene, poly-propylene, poly-ethylene-terephthalate etc.) Materials such as NanoGrain® ITO or doped ZANO®, which are transparent electronic conductors, can make plastics anti-static or even conductive (when added in sufficiently high quantities).
NanoGrain® Ag has anti-microbial properties (and will increase conductivity). NanoGrain® ITO can change the IR-absorbing properties of polymers.
Web www.nanograin.umicore.com
Contact details Umicore NanoMaterials
Kasteelstraat 7
B-2250 Olen, Belgium
T: +32 14 24 50 18
6.14 University of South Carolina, Department of Chemistry &
Biochemistry
Products/Technology Platform
This research group is developing a high-gas barrier nanocomposites polymer. Instead of using natural nanoclay particles, the group creates synthetic clay platelets using phosphanates and perovskite, which means all particles are of equal quality and size and exfoliation can be done in only one step. Tests have shown various formulations of the
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PET nanocomposite have significantly better gas barriers than regular PET.
Web www.chem.sc.edu/
Contact details Professor Hanno zur Loye
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
University of South Carolina
T: +1 8037776916
6.15 University of California Berkeley, EECS
Products/Technology Platform
Printed electronics provides a promising potential pathway toward the realization of ultralow-cost RFID tags for item-level tracking of consumer goods. Using printed nanoparticle patterns that are subsequently sintered at plastic-compatible temperatures the researchers are developing materials, processes, and devices for the realization of ultralow-cost printed RFID tags. Low-resistance interconnects and passive components have been realized.
Web www.eecs.berkeley.edu
Contact details Vivek Subramanian
Associate Professor, EECS
571 Cory Hall, #1770
University of California Berkeley
CA 94720-1770
T: +1 5106434535
6.16 University of Strathclyde, Department of Pure and Applied
Chemistry
Products/Technology Platform
Oxygen Scavenger
The scavenger is made of a photocatalyst such as TiO2 which, upon irradiation, deoxygenates a closed environment. The scavenger is embedded within a film which can be used to cover electronic, optoelectronic devices or protect foodstuff or medical instruments. The film is activated by light and as such can be controlled easily. It benefits from longer functional periods compared with current techniques.
Key Advantages
- Longer periods of functional use;
- Consumes greater volumes of oxygen per unit mass than iron or polymer based scavengers;
- De-oxygenation can be performed simply by the application of light - offering a high degree of controllability;
- Cost-effective method as film can be cheaply manufactured;
- Does not require a specialised packaging environment.
Markets and applications
This technology has a primary application in the following markets:
- Opto-electronic and electronic device manufacture;
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- Food packaging;
- Pharmaceuticals;
- Artwork and artefact storage and transport;
- Medical instrumentation.
Sensor for Oxidising Agents
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a modern and much used method to protect oxygen sensitive items, most commonly foodstuffs and sterilised medical equipment. It is imperative within this form of packaging that the level of oxygen is known, to indicate product tampering and assure quality. Current oxygen sensors tend to be unreliable, due to their reversibility with oxygen, and are also typically costly with short shelf-lives.
New research at the University of Strathclyde has discovered a novel sensor for measuring oxygen levels within MAP. Critically, the sensor changes colour on the detection of oxygen. Untrained personnel and end users can therefore monitor the oxygen level within the package to maintain product quality. The sensor is ‘activated’ using UV light and remains unaffected by light out-with the UV wavelength (i.e. it is unaffected by natural light). It is further unaffected by carbon dioxide, a common MAP gas.
Key Advantages
- Cheap to manufacture;
- Irreversible and therefore more reliable and accurate;
- Can be encapsulated within a number of materials including plastic film or ink dye;
- Longer shelf-life;
- Insusceptibility to carbon dioxide;
- Detectable to the human eye and so does not require trained personnel;
- Does not require specialised storage or handling.
Markets and applications
- Modified atmosphere packaging used by food industry to detect tampering and communicate product quality assurance in substances such as breads, confectionery, beverages, dairy products and fresh packaged foods;
- Sterilised medical equipment;
- Pharmaceuticals.
Web www.chem.strath.ac.uk
Contact details Professor A Mills
Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry
University of Strathclyde
16 Richmond Street
Glasgow , G1 1XQ
Scotland, United Kingdom
T: +44 1415482458
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Continue reading the main story
7 TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS: DELIVERY AND RELEASE
Nanoencapsulation
The exploitation of the nanoscale promises new delivery systems for biologically active materials
for: delivery of flavours and nutraceuticals and the utilization of complex phase behaviour in
food and beverage products for: improved texture, taste, nutrient release, appearance and
colour. Altering existing food products on the nanoscale will allow for better delivery of flavour,
antioxidants, vitamins and nutrition.
Nanoencapsulation technologies can be applied to solve problems related to controlled storage
and release of flavours and nutrition in the food and beverage sector. The possibility of tailoring
different functionalities, impregnating organic substances both inside capsule volume and in a
shell, allowing for the controlled release of encapsulated material is of great interest to this
industry. Encapsulation in food and beverage is necessary for a number of reasons:
Enhance product sensory profile: taste and odour masking;
Protect sensitive ingredients from processing;
Enhance bioavailability: chemical stability, solubility, cell viability;
Controlled release: targeting of bioactives to specific GI tract sites.
Nano-enabled delivery systems are likely to find application for individualizing food
consumption to ensure optimal health. One possible example is a delivery vehicle will possess a
recognition capability that will allow a bioactive compound to be only released in the presence
of certain critical biochemical or genetic markers that are specific to each individual consumer.
Nanoemulsions
Microemulsions are spontaneously forming, fluid, oil and water dispersions stabilized by a
surfactant and typically a cosurfactant. The size of the nanodroplets in a microemulsion is
typically in the range 10-100nm. To date microemulsions have found application in drug
delivery, particle engineering, food and beverages and chemical synthesis.
Nanoemulsions, in common with microemulsions, are stable systems that contain small droplets
(typically 100-300nm) of one immiscible phase in another but, unlike microemulsions, are
formed by the input of a high amount of energy. Nanoemulsions find application in high clarity
beverages and nutraceuticals.
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7.1 AC Serendip Limited
Products/Technology Platform
The company produce nanoemulsions for:
- Diary;
- Mayonnaise;
- Sauces;
- Soups.
Their technology is based on high pressure emulsification and membrane emulsification with the result of smaller droplets: quick transfer of AI, transfer of AI (nanoemulsions), multiple emulsions (encapsulated AI) or direct control of drop size.
Web www.ac-serendip.com
Contact details Manuela Fischer
AC Serendip Ltd.
Fahrenheitstr. 1
28359 Bremen
Germany
T: +49 421 2208100
7.2 Aquanova
Products/Technology Platform
Aquanova has developed a new technology which combines two active substances for fat reduction and satiety into a single nanocarrier (micelles of average 30 nm diameter) called NovaSOL Sustain.
The NovaSol technology has also been used to create a vitamin E preparation that does not cloud liquids, called SoluE, and a vitamin C preparation called SoluC. NovaSOL can be used to introduce other dietary supplements as it protects contents from stomach acids.
Technology Summary of AQUANOVA´s Solubilisates
- Crystal Clear solutions: an industry proven carrier system for a broad variety of substances;
- Product Micelle: unique nano sized carrier system based on natures architecture = basis for solubilisates;
- Functional Benefits: empower creation of new products such as functional food / supplements with significantly higher bioavailability;
- Technical Benefits: empower protection of raw and active substances on natural basis;
- Thermal, mechanical and pH stability, also in gastric acid / less microbiologically susceptible than liposomes;
- Technology does not use chemical modification or nanoparticles.
Web www.aquanova.de
Contact details Frank Behnam
Birkenweg 8-10
64295 Darmstadt
T: +49 6151669690
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7.3 Nanomi B.V.
Products/Technology Platform
Nanomi has developed a device that can produced droplets in fluids on a continuous basis. Squeezing oil through a filter produces oil rods. Flushing water along the filter lops off the upper part of the rod and creastes droplets. Nanomi has perfected this process with a new patented technique that controls the form and composition of the droplets.
Customers can decide on the droplet size and produce double emulsions. They can fill oil droplets with water in order to reduce the fat content in food, or with healthy but unpalatable substances that are only released in the stomach. As well as the food industry, the technique may also have application in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries.
Web www.nanomi.com
Contact details Hogekamp SP16
University of Twente
Enschede
Nanomi B.V.
T: +31 53489249
7.4 Nutralease
Products/Technology Platform
The company produce NutraLease, a delivery system for food and beverage applications, based on Nano Sized Self Assembled Structured Liquids
Beverage applications:
- Nutralease nano-sized concentrates of Vitamin E, D, A, K and Isoflavones, CoQ10, OmegaCran Oil, carotenoids and essential oils, specially designed as delivery system for clear beverage applications and for improved bioavailability.
Dairy applications:
- Nutralease nano-sized concentrates of Vitamin E, D, A, K and Isoflavones, CoQ10, carotenoids and essential oils, specially designed as delivery system for improved bioavailability and stability.
Web www.nutralease.com
Contact details Mr. Eli Levy
Managing Director
36 Haruvit St.
Mishor Adumim
Israel, 90610
T: 02-5353565
7.5 RBC Life Sciences
Products/Technology Platform
The company currently has a number of products
- Nanoceuticals Artichoke Nanoclusters: reduces surface tension of foods and supplements to increase wetness and absorption of nutrients;
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- Nanoceuticals Hydracel: Claimed to lower the surface tension of drinking water (and hence increase solvent properties);
- Nanoceuticals Slim Shake Chocolate: RBC’s NanoCluster delivery system to give CocoaClusters with enhanced flavour;
- Nanoceuticals Spirulina Nanoclusters: NanoClusters delivery system for the food product;
- Nanoceuticals Silver 22: Colloidal silver suspended in purified water;
- Nanoceuticals Microhydrin and Microhydrin Plus: Nanocolloidal silicate mineral, claimed to neutralise free radicals.
Web www.royalbodycare.com
Contact details RBC Life Sciences
2301 Crown Court Irving
Texas 75016
T: +1 972 8934000
W: www.royalbodycare.com
7.6 Salvona Technologies
Products/Technology Platform
Salvona Technologies developed a multicomponent delivery system3,4,5. This system, MultiSal™, delivers multiple active ingredients that do not normally mix well, such as water-soluble and fat-soluble ingredients, and releases them consecutively. It enhances the stability and bioavailability of a wide range of nutrients and other ingredients, controls their release characteristics and prolongs their residence time in the oral cavity, and thus prolongs the sensation of flavours in the mouth. The system consists of solid hydrophobic nanospheres composed of a blend of food-approved hydrophobic materials encapsulated in moisture-sensitive or pH-sensitive bioadhesive microspheres. A proprietary suspension technology generates nanospheres with a diameter of about 0.01-0.5 microns. The nanospheres are then encapsulated in microspheres of about 2050 microns in diameter. The nanospheres are not individually coated by the moisture-sensitive microsphere matrix, but are homogeneously dispersed in it. When the microsphere encounters water, such as saliva, it dissolves, releasing the nanos-pheres and other ingredients . Various ingredients can be incorporated into the hydrophobic nanosphere matrix, the water-sensitive microsphere matrix, or both matrices.
The active ingredients and sensory markers encapsulated in the nanospheres can be the same as, or different from, those encapsulated in the microspheres. The nanosphere surface can include a moisture-sensitive bioadhesive material, such as starch derivatives, natural polymers, natural gums, etc., making them capable of being bound to a biological membrane such as the oral cavity mucosa and retained on that membrane for an extended period of time. The nanospheres can be localised and the target ingredient encapsulated within their structure to a particular region, or a specific site, thereby improving and enhancing the bioavailability of ingredients which have poor bioavailability by themselves. Ingredients that have high water solubility, such as vitamin C, usually have low bioavailability. Enhancing the hydrophobicity of these ingredients enhances their bioavailability. In vitro tests have shown the ability of the nanospheres to adhere to human epithelial cells, such as those in the oral cavity. The encapsulation system has numerous benefits:
- Ease of handling. The system can be utilised to transform volatile liquids such as flavours into a powder, which are in many cases easier to handle.
- Enhanced stability. The system can be utilised to isolate active ingredients as well as flavours that may interact with the other food ingredients. This provides long-term
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product shelf life.
- Protection against oxidation. The microspheres have very low surface oil (less than 0.5%) at very high payloads (3040%) compared to conventional spray-dried particles utilising materials such as gum arabic or starch.
- Retention of volatile ingredients. The moisture-sensitive matrix provides excellent retention of highly volatile ingredients, such as flavours, over an extended period of time to reduce the flavour loss during the product shelf life.
- Taste masking. Unwanted taste can be masked by preventing interaction between the active molecule and the oral mucosal surface. The nanospheres are hydrophobic and can prevent bitter ingredients encapsulated within their structure from going into solution and interacting directly with taste receptors.
- Moisture-triggered controlled release. As discussed above, the microspheres dissolve in the presence of water or saliva to release the active ingredients or flavours, thereby providing a high impact flavour “burst.”
- pH-triggered controlled release. Ingredients can be encapsulated in the microspheres to enhance their stability during the product shelf life and to release them when needed or upon food consumption. For example, citral can be stabilised in a fruit juice at acidic pH and released in the mouth upon drinking.
- This pH triggered release was initially designed to deliver drugs to different regions of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Heat-triggered release. The hydrophobic nanospheres are temperature sensitive and can be utilised to release active ingredients and flavours at a certain temperature, e.g., upon heating in an oven or microwave oven or the addition of hot water for hot drinks and soups.
- Consecutive delivery of multiple active ingredients. Two or more ingredients that would react with each other if put together can be separated and provided consecutively by placing one in the nanosphere and the other in the microsphere. An example is encapsulation of folic acid and iron that work synergistically. Other examples would be the delivery of one flavour after another, or the delivery of a flavour or sensation (in the microsphere) to indicate that the active ingredient (in the nanospheres) has been delivered.
- Change in flavour character. Encapsulation of a flavour in the nanospheres that is different from the flavour encapsulated in the microsphere can provide a perceivable change in the organoleptic perception in response to moisture during the use of the product.
- Long-lasting organoleptic perception. As a result of the bioadhesive properties of the nanospheres and their residence in the oral cavity, flavour perception and mouth-feel can be extended over a longer period of time.
- Enhanced bioavailability and efficacy. As a result of their hydrophobic/lipophilic nature, the nanospheres can enhance the bioavailability of various active ingredients, such as vitamins, nutrients and other biologically active agents encapsulated within their structure.
Major potential product applications for the nanosphere/microsphere system are baked goods, refrigerated/frozen dough and batters, tortillas and flat breads, processed meats, acidified dried meat products, microwavable entrees, seasoning blends, confectionery, specialty products, chewing gum, dessert mixes, nutritional foods, products for well-being, health bars, dry beverage mixes and many others.
Web www.salvona.com
Contact details 65 Stults Rd.
Dayton
NJ 08810
USA
T: +1 (609) 655-0173
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7.7 Vivamer
Products/Technology Platform
This contract formulation company has proprietary IP on smart materials for encapsulation that allow triggered product release in response to specific environmental conditions, such as temperature, acidity, water activity, light or exposure to certain chemical triggers. For example, perfume encapsulates might be programmed to release fragrance upon exposure to sunlight or hot weather. Furthermore, by varying the chemistry, the smart materials can be tuned to respond to very specific environmental conditions within a broad range. The materials are stable in aqueous solution, non-toxic and biodegradable.
They have no odour and can be formed into micro- or nanoparticles, films or gels and derivatives of them can be formed into micelles or polymersomes to meet specific product application needs. The company is exploiting its technology with multinational companies in the household product and foods sectors.
Web www.vivamer.com
Contact details Prof. Nigel K.H. Slater
Director
Vivamer
William Gates Building
JJ Thompson Ave
Cambridge
CB3 0FD
8 REGULATIONS AND CONSUMER SAFETY Although it is likely that nanotechnology will lead to an overall enhancement of choice and
quality in the food and beverage sector, there are significant concerns about the safety of some
nanomaterials, in some situations. There is a recognition by Governments and others bodies
involved in ensuring the safety of food that current legislation may not be sufficient, and safety
data / assurances are needed before ‘manufactured’ nanoparticles can be used in foods and
beverages, and in food packaging materials. Also regulatory bodies are increasingly concerned
by safety issues posed by some nanomaterials, as a full understanding of potential risks is
limited at present. It has been stated that in this and other industries there is a lack of
fundamental knowledge on areas such as toxicology, exposure, generic risk assessment - and
therefore what legal framework should be applied.
Current legislation has permitted the use of nanoparticles in food-approved materials, based on
macroparticle safety tests. Replacement of macroscopic materials with nanomaterials has often
been regarded as a simple change in formulation of the product. There is no legal requirement
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for nanoparticles to be formally cleared as novel ingredients or additives, whether for direct or
indirect food use, and there is no specific requirement to indicate their presence on food labels.
However, in the absence of the complete picture of food safety / toxicology, it is increasingly
condsidered appropriate to regard nanomaterials as a separate class of either novel foods or
“new additives”, and to control them under one of the respective regulatory frameworks.
Food companies have historically worked to develop new and better products by manipulating
the structure and attributes of foods at the nanoscale. All foods gain their attributes directly
from the nanoscale structure and composition, so many companies need to understand, use and
manipulate these attributes in order to process various foods for mass markets, as has been
remarked earlier. However, food companies are sensitive to using the label ‘nano’ in their
products, as the term may have a negative connotation in some quarters, for example, some
consumer groups, especially when the exact application of the ‘nano’ in the product is not made
clear. ‘Nano’ in foods can range from the processing of foods, to the manipulation of their
structure, composition, taste, texture, colour and longevity.
Very recently (mid 2011) several international regulatory bodies, conscious of this lack of
knowledge and understanding by the public – and themselves! - have recently issued guidelines
on nano in food, or are seeking input from the various communities of interest. The current
situation is as follows:
8.1 The USA10
In the USA, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has taken a major step forward in the
regulation of nanotechnology in food. It recently opened a dialogue on nanotechnology in June
2011, by publishing proposed guidelines on how the agency will identify whether nanomaterials
have been used in FDA-regulated products. The guidelines, Draft Guidance for Industry,
Considering Whether an FDA-Regulated Product Involves the Application of Nanotechnology”
were published in the Federal Register.
According to the FDA Commissioner, the guidelines provide a starting point for the
nanotechnology discussion, with the goal of regulating nano-based products using the best
possible science. Understanding nanotechnology remains a top priority within the agency’s
regulatory science initiative so they will be ready to usher science, public health, and the FDA
into a new, more innovative era. The guidelines list things that might be considered when
deciding if nanotechnology was used on a product regulated by the FDA - including the size of
10 http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-06-14/html/2011-14643.htm
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the nanomaterials that were used, and what their properties are. The FDA wants industry
leaders and the public to be involved.
According to the director of the FDA’s emerging technology programs, nanotechnology is an
emerging technology that has the potential to be used in a broad array of FDA-regulated
medical products, foods, and cosmetics, but because materials in the nanoscale dimension may
have different chemical, physical, or biological properties from their larger counterparts, the
FDA is monitoring the technology to assure such use is beneficial.
The FDA-regulated industries are also exploring new uses for nanotechnology. The agency’s goal
is to protect and promote public health while also supporting innovation, and it will continue to
monitor advancements in nanotechnology and its use in regulated products. The agency
encourages industry consultation and will offer technical advice and guidance to manufacturers,
as needed, to enhance product development, benefit, and safety.
The FDA already has experience with regulating emerging technologies, and they expect that the
challenges of regulating nanotechnology are not unlike those related to other emerging and
cross-cutting scientific and policy issues. Agency experts haven’t identified specific safety
concerns involving nanotechnology in FDA regulated products, but nanomaterials can, in some
cases, raise safety issues. Because of this, FDA scientists continue to examine data to decide if
and when additional studies are needed.
The FDA says it is critical to understand how the changes in physical, chemical, or biological
properties that have been documented in nanomaterials affect the safety, effectiveness,
performance or quality of a product that contains nanomaterials. Because of this, the agency
has a robust science and research agenda to help answer these questions.
In 2006, FDA formed the Nanotechnology Task Force with an eye toward identifying and addressing ways
to evaluate the potential effects on health from FDA-regulated nanotechnology products. A year later, the
task force recommended that FDA issue guidelines to industry and take steps to address the potential
risks and benefits of drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and other FDA-regulated products that
incorporate nanotechnology. The proposed guidelines are the first step toward developing policies that
guide regulation of products using nanotechnology. The agency plans to develop additional guidelines for
specific products in the future. The FDA is working with the White House, the National Nanotechnology
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Initiative, other U.S. government agencies, and international regulators to focus on generating data and
coordinating policy approaches to ensure the safety and effectiveness of products using nanomaterials.
8.2 The UK
The UK, in accordance with its membership of the European Union, views nanotechnology as an
emerging science, and if used to develop novel foods and processes, approval would be required
under the European 'Novel Foods Regulation' requirement (Regulation (EC) No 258/97) to
ensure products are safe. Novel Foods Regulation can be found on the European Commission
website. In the widest sense, nanotechnology and nanomaterials are a natural part of food
processing and conventional foods because the characteristic properties of many foods rely
naturally on nanometre sized components (such as nanoemulsions and foams). However, recent
technological developments have resulted in opening the door for manufactured nanoparticles
to be added to food. These could be as finely divided forms of existing ingredients, or
completely novel chemical structures.
The FSA (Food Standards Agency) is the UK body responsible for the assessment of novel foods.
If a company wants authorisation to market food produced using nanotechnology, the Agency is
obliged to assess the food safety implications. The FSA will not assess the safety of using
nanotechnology in the food chain unless it is asked to do so. During any such safety
assessment, the Agency will consult an independent advisory committee, the Advisory
Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP). The ACNFP comprises experts who advise
the Agency on a wide range of new foods and food technologies.
The assessment of the food or food ingredient includes details of the composition, nutritional
value, metabolism, intended use and the level of microbiological and chemical contaminants.
Where appropriate, this might also include studies into the potential for toxic, nutritional and
allergenic effects. Details of the manufacturing process used to process the food or food
ingredient are also considered, because novel food production processes can render a food
‘novel’ if it alters the final composition of the food.
The assessment of nanomaterials follows the guidance issued by the European Food Safety
Authority in May 2011 (see the 'Risk Assessment' section below). As well as carrying out the
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scientific safety assessment, the ACNFP would also consider consumer concerns and ethical
issues.
8.2.1 UK Food Safety Agency research projects.
Two food safety projects were completed in 2008. One project gathered information on the new
and potential applications of nanotechnology in the UK to materials and articles in contact with
food, specifically in the context of potential chemical migration into food.
The second project carried out an assessment of the potential use of nanomaterials as food
additives or food ingredients. Consumer safety and regulatory implications arising from
potential uses were considered..
The Agency has also commissioned two research projects in 2010 to look at the ways in which
nanomaterials enter the human body and what happens to them once they are there. More
information about this research (project codes T01061 and T01062) can be found at the links at
the end of this section. In addition, the Agency is jointly funding a project on the
characterisation, detection and measurement of nanoparticles in food. More information about
this research (project code: G03033) can also be found at the link at the end of this section.
8.2.2 Nanotechnologies and Food Discussion Group.
The aim of the Food Discussion Group is to help the FSA take forward some of the
recommendations from the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee 2010 report into
nanotechnologies and food, (check this out) and to exchange information between different
sectors within the nanotechnologies and food groups. These include:
intelligence gathering to determine what, if any, nanotechnology research is being
carried out by the food industry
ways in which to develop a register of nanotechnology-enabled foods and food contact
materials on the UK market
In February 2009, the House of Lords Committee on Science and Technology launched an inquiry
into nanotechnologies and food. The Agency and other relevant bodies were called to give
evidence. In January 2010, the committee published its report on the inquiry. The report, which
can be found under ‘External links’ towards the end of this page, made a total of thirty two
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recommendations and conclusions. The Government response to the committee’s report was
published on 25 March 2011
8.2.3 Consumer engagement and public attitudes
The FSA commissioned TNS-BMRB, an independent research company, to carry out research
into UK consumer awareness and attitudes of nanotechnologies in the food sector. The
research, which was conducted between November 2010 and February 2011, and published in
April 2011, revealed that consumer awareness about nanotechnologies in relation to food was
generally low. Consumers were concerned about safety, particularly long term safety, and
impacts on the environment. There was a greater acceptance of certain types of potential
applications than others and a general skepticism about industry’s motives for developing these
technologies. Overall, consumers wanted more information and transparency.
8.3 Europe
In February 2009, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published its opinion on the
potential risks arising from nanoscience and nanotechnologies in food and feed. The main
conclusions from the opinion are:
the current risk assessment paradigm is appropriate for nanomaterials
there are limited data on oral exposure to nanomaterials and any consequent toxicity
there are limited methods to characterise, detect, and measure nanomaterials in
food/feed
Toxicological and toxicokinetic profiles of nanomaterials cannot be determined by extrapolation
from data on their equivalent non-nano forms. Their view is a case by case approach is needed.
Read the opinion on the EFSA webs
8.3.1 Risk assessment guidance.
Building on its first opinion, in May 2011, the EFSA published a guidance document for the risk
assessment of engineered nanomaterials in food, food contact materials, animal feed and
pesticides.The EFSA’s guidance will be used whenever products of nanotechnology are
evaluated for food or feed applications in the EU. An FSA expert was part of the EFSA group that
drew up the guidance.
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The Agency is represented on a nanotechnologies network that EFSA set up in February 2011.
This network provides a platform for the exchange of information and will help to harmonise
risk assessment approaches across EU member states.
More information about nanotechnology and food can be found at the link below, in a paper
sent to the FSA Board in April 2006 and in the written evidence that the Food Standards Agency
submitted to the House of Lords inquiry in March 2009.
Further information about nanotechnology can be found in a report presenting the findings of a
review to identify potential gaps in regulation or risk assessment relating to the use of
nanotechnologies and food. See the report, which the FSA consulted on in 2006, at the link
below. In addition, see the summary of comments on the consultation at
http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/consultationresponse/nanoconsultsummary.pdf
published in August 2008.
8.3.2 Approach to Regulation by the European Food Safety Authority
On 10 May 2011, The European Food Safety Authority published a guidance document for the
risk assessment of engineered nanomaterial (ENM) applications in food and feed. The guidance
is the work of the Authority’s Scientific Committee and is the first of its kind to give practical
guidance for addressing potential risks arising from applications of nanoscience and
nanotechnologies in the food and feed chain. The guidance covers risk assessments for food and
feed applications including food additives, enzymes, flavourings, food contact materials, novel
foods, feed additives and pesticides.
The EFSA guidance, prepared in response to a request from the European Commission, sets out
the considerations for risk assessment of ENM that may arise from their specific characteristics
and properties. Importantly, the ENM guidance complements existing guidance documents for
substances and products submitted for risk assessment in view of their possible authorisation in
food and feed. It stipulates the additional data needed for the physical and chemical
characterisation of ENM in comparison with conventional applications and outlines different
toxicity testing approaches to be followed by applicants.
The Chair of EFSA’s Scientific Committee, commented on the publication of the EFSA guidance,
“A thorough characterisation of the engineered nanomaterials followed by adequate toxicity
testing is essential for the risk assessment of these applications. Yet we recognise uncertainties
related to the suitability of certain existing test methodologies and the availability of data for
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ENM applications in food and feed. The guidance makes recommendations about how risk
assessments should reflect these uncertainties for food and feed applications.”
To assist with the practical use of the guidance, six scenarios are presented which outline
different toxicity testing approaches. For each scenario, the guidance indicates the type of
testing required.
EFSA conducted a public consultation on its preparatory work, acknowledging the importance of
developing risk assessment methodologies in this field to support innovation whilst ensuring the
safety of food and feed. In total 256 comments were received from 36 organisations spanning
from academia, NGOs, industry to Member State and international authorities. All of these
contributions were considered and incorporated into the guidance document where
appropriate.
Risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials is under fast development and consequently, in
keeping with EFSA’s commitment to review its guidance for risk assessment on an ongoing basis,
this work will be revised as appropriate.
Guidance on the risk assessment of the application of nanoscience and nanotechnologies in the
food and feed chain
Outcome of the public consultation on the draft scientific opinion on Guidance on risk
assessment concerning potential risks arising from applications of nanoscience and
nanotechnologies to food and feed
8.4 Further reading: A Review for the UK Health & Safety Executive
www.hse.gov.uk/horizons/nanotech/regulatoryreview.pdf
A (draft) Review for the UK Food Standards Agency
www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/nanotech.pdf
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Nanotechnology White Paper
www.epa.gov/osa/nanotech.htm
Regulation and the OECD. A paper prepared by the Allianz Group to asses the risks of its
involvement in nano
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/32/1/44108334.pdf
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9 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Term Description
AFM atomic force microscopy/microscope
Anions An ion consists of one or more atoms and carries a unit charge of electricity. Those that are negative
ions (hydroxyl and acidic atoms or groups) are called anions (cf. cation).
Assembler A general-purpose device for molecular manufacturing, capable of guiding chemical reactions by
positioning molecules.
Atom The smallest unit of a chemical element, about a third of a nanometre in diameter. Atoms make up
molecules and solid objects.
Atomic force microscopy /
microscope (AFM)
Atomic force microscopy is a technique for analysing the surface of a rigid material all the way down
to the level of the atom. The atomic force microscope was invented in 1986 uses a mechanical probe
to magnify surface features up to 100 000 000 times, and produces 3D images of the surface. AFM
uses various forces that occur when two objects are brought within nanometres of each other. An
AFM can work either when the probe is in contact with a surface, causing a repulsive force, or when it
is a few nanometres away, where the force is attractive. AFM is being used to understand materials
problems in many areas, including data storage, telecommunications, biomedicine, chemistry, and
aerospace. AFM is derived from a related technology, called scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM).
The difference is that AFM does not require the sample to conduct electricity, whereas STM does.
AFM also works in regular room temperatures, while STM requires special temperature and other
conditions.
Bar A unit of pressure equal to one million (106) dynes, equivalent to 10 newtons, per square centimetre.
This is approximately the pressure exerted by Earth's atmosphere at sea level.
BioMEMS Miniaturization engineering or MEMS applied to biotechnology or medicine. In BioMEMS the number
of materials involved is much larger than in a comparable electronics application. Both instruments
and sensors are used in BioMEMS. Applications include: forensic science (e.g. DNA); clinical diagnostics
(e.g. glucose in blood); product development (e.g. new drug); and quality control (e.g. pH of swimming
pools).
Biomimetics The concept of taking ideas from nature, operating on the nanoscale, and implementing them in a
technology such as engineering, design, computing or other areas.
Bottom-up Building organic and inorganic structures atom-by-atom, or molecule-by-molecule. Cf. top-down.
Brownian assembly Brownian motion in a fluid brings molecules together in various position and orientations. If molecules
have suitable complementary surfaces, they can bind, assembling to form a specific structure.
Brownian assembly is a less paradoxical name for self-assembly.
Brownian motion Motion of a particle in a fluid owing to thermal agitation.
Buckminsterfullerene A sphere of sixty carbon atoms, also called a buckyball. Named after the architect Buckminster Fuller,
who is famous for the geodesic dome that buckyballs resemble.
Buckyball A popular name for Buckminsterfullerene.
CAIBE Chemically assisted ion beam etching.
Carbon black Carbon black is a powdered form of elemental carbon. The primary use of carbon black is in rubber
products, mainly tyres and other automotive products, but also in many other rubber products such as
hoses, gaskets and coated fabrics. Much smaller amounts of carbon black are used in inks and paints,
plastics and in the manufacture of dry-cell batteries.
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Carbon nanotubes Two types of nanotube exist: the single-walled carbon nanotubes, so called ‘buckytubes’, and
multilayer carbon nanotubes. Both consist of graphite carbon and typically have an internal diameter
of 5nm and an external diameter of 10nm. Many applications are envisaged: space and aircraft
manufacture, automobiles, and construction. Multilayer carbon nanotubes are in commercial use.
Buckytubes are some way off commercial production.
CARs Chemically amplified resists.
Catalyst A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by reducing the activation energy, but
which is left unchanged by the reaction. A catalyst works by providing a convenient surface for the
reaction to occur. The reacting particles gather on the catalyst surface and either collide more
frequently with each other or more of the collisions result in a reaction between particles because the
catalyst can lower the activation energy for the reaction.
Catenane The latest molecular switches are created using unique molecules, called catenanes, which consist of
two tiny mechanically interlocked rings, each ring composed of atoms linked in a circle. Catenanes are
an improvement over rotaxane molecules. Rotaxanes are in a solution state and are much more
incoherent.
Cations An ion consists of one or more atoms and carries a unit charge of electricity. Those that are positively
electrified (hydrogen and the metals) are called cations (cf. anion).
Cell A small structural unit, surrounded by a membrane, making up living things.
Chemical vapour
deposition (CVD)
A technique used to deposit coatings, where chemicals are first vaporized, and then applied using an
inert carrier gas such as nitrogen.
Chromatography The physical method of separation in which the components to be separated are distributed between
two phases, one of which is stationary while the other moves in a definite direction. Chromatography
is a widely used for the separation, identification, and determination of the chemical components in
complex mixtures.
Cyclodextrin Natural polysaccharide deriving from chitin, chitosan is cationic in acidic media
Complementary metal-
oxide semiconductor
(CMOS)
The semiconductor technology used in the transistors that are manufactured into most of today's
computer microchips.
Composites Combinations of metals, ceramics, polymers, and biological materials that allow multi-functional
behaviour. One common practice is reinforcing polymers or ceramics with ceramic fibres to increase
strength while retaining light weight and avoiding the brittleness of the monolithic ceramic. Materials
used in the body often combine biological and structural functions (e.g., the encapsulation of drugs).
Dendrimer A dendrimer is an artificially manufactured or synthesized large molecule comprised of many smaller
ones linked together - built up from branched units called monomers. Technically, dendrimers are a
unique class of a polymer, about the size of an average protein, with a compact, tree-like molecular
structure, which provides a high degree of surface functionality and versatility. The shape of
dendrimers give them vast amounts of surface area, making them useful building blocks and carrier
molecules at the nanoscale and they come in a variety of forms, with different physical (including
optical, electrical and chemical) properties. For example, dendrimers can act as biologically active
carrier molecules in drug delivery to which can be attached therapeutic agents and as scavengers of
metal ions, offering the potential for environmental clean-up operations because their size allows
them to be filtered out with ultra-filtration techniques.
Diode A diode is a specialized electronic component with two electrodes called the anode and the cathode.
Most diodes are made with semiconductor materials such as silicon, germanium, or selenium. Diodes
can be used as rectifiers, signal limiters, voltage regulators, switches, signal modulators, signal mixers,
signal demodulators, and oscillators.
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Dip pen nanolithography A direct-write soft lithography technique that is used to create nanostructures on a substrate of
interest by delivering collections of molecules via capillary transport from an AFM tip to a surface.
DNA DeoxyriboNucleic Acid. DNA is a code used within cells to form proteins.
DNA chip A purpose built microchip used to identify mutations or alterations in a gene's DNA.
DRAM Dynamic random access memory.
Dry nanotechnology Derives from surface science and physical chemistry, focuses on fabrication of structures in carbon
silicon, and other inorganic materials. Unlike the ‘wet’ technology, ‘dry’ techniques admit use of
metals and semiconductors. The active conduction electrons of these materials make them too
reactive to operate in a ‘wet’ environment, but these same electrons provide the physical properties
that make ‘dry’ nanostructures promising as electronic, magnetic, and optical devices. Another
objective is to develop ‘dry’ structures that possess some of the same attributes of the self-assembly
that the wet ones exhibit.
EAPs ElectroActive Polymers
Elastomeric stamp or
mould
Key element in soft lithography usually made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), having patterned
relief structures on its surface.
Elastomers Cross-linked high-polymer materials with elastic behaviour.
Electronic nose Nanotechnology used to detect odours. The task of a sensor of an electronic nose is, like that of a
sensory neuron in the olfactory epithelium, to convert the contact of an odorous molecule into a
detectable signal.
Electro scanning
microscope (ESM)
Used for the study of surface morphology and the determination of the thickness of MBE grown films.
Electrospinning Electrospinning uses an electrical charge to form a mat of fine fibres. Electrospinning shares
characteristics of both the commercial electrospray technique and the commercial spinning of fibres.
Embossing Creation of a 3D design or image on paper or other material.
Enzymes Molecular machines found in nature made of protein, which can catalyse (speed up) chemical
reactions.
ESM Electro scanning microscope.
EU European Union.
Extracellular matrix (ECM) A complex structural entity surrounding and supporting cells that are found within mammalian
tissues. The ECM is often referred to as the connective tissue. The ECM is composed of three major
classes of biomolecules: structural proteins (collagen and elastin) specialized proteins (e.g. fibrillin,
fibronectin, and laminin); and proteoglycans: (composed of a protein core to which is attached long
chains of repeating disaccharide units termed of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) forming extremely
complex high molecular weight components of the ECM).
FCVA Filtered cathodic vacuum arc.
Ferrofluids Also known as magnetic liquids, they are re stable colloidal suspensions of single domain particles of
ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials. They have existed for more than sixty years but the
concentrated fluids that are used today first appeared in 1965. Ferrofluids consist of very small
magnetic particles held in suspension in a carrier liquid by a surface active layer. The carrier liquid is
selected to meet the particular application and can be a hydrocarbon, ester, perfluoropolyether,
water, etc.
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FIB Focussed ion beam.
“Extreme” nanotechnology Builds structures from the ‘bottom up’. It encompasses atomic and molecular manipulation and self-
assembly, including single electron devices using electron tunnel junctions and quantum computing
and cryptography.11
Fluorocarbons Fluorocarbons is a general term for any group of synthetic organic compounds that contain fluorine
and carbon.
Fullerene A fullerene is a pure carbon molecule composed of at least 60 atoms of carbon. They are cage-like
structures of carbon atoms; the most abundant form produced is Buckminster-fullerene (C60), with
sixty carbon atoms arranged in a spherical structure. Because a fullerene takes a shape similar to a
soccer ball or a geodesic dome, it is sometimes referred to as a buckyball after the inventor of the
geodesic dome, Buckminster Fuller, for whom the fullerene is more formally named.
Functional nanotechnology Applications in which nanostructures are used to produce improved optical, electronic or magnetic
properties. Includes nanoelectronics based on quantum effects.
Gbps Billions of bits per second. A measure of bandwidth on a digital data transmission medium such as
optical fibre.
Genomics The study of the full complement of genes that make up an organism.
HRTEM High resolution transmission electron microscopy.
ICP-MS Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy
Ion An atom or group of atoms in which the number of electrons is different from the number of protons.
If the number of electrons is less than the number of protons, the particle is a positive ion, also called
a cation. If the number of electrons is greater than the number of protons, the particle is a negative
ion, also called an anion.
Langmuir-Blodgett The name of a nanofabrication technique used to create ultrathin films (monolayers and isolated
molecular layers), the end result of which is called a Langmuir-Blodgett film.
LCD Liquid crystal display.
Liquid crystal display (LCD) Technology used for displays in notebook and other smaller computers. LCDs allow displays to be
much thinner than cathode ray tube technology. LCDs consume much less power because they work
on the principle of blocking light rather than emitting it.
LED Light emitting diode.
Light emitting diode (LED) A semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current passes through it. The light is
not particularly bright, but in most LEDs it is monochromatic, occurring at a single wavelength. The
output from an LED can range from red (at a wavelength of ~700nm) to blue-violet (~400nm).
Magnetorheological fluids Magnetorheological fluids are stable suspensions of magnetically polarisable micron sized particles
suspended in a low volatility carrier fluid, usually a synthetic hydrocarbon.
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Magnetron sputtering Magnetron sputtering involves the creation of a plasma by the application of a large DC potential
between two parallel plates. A static magnetic field is applied near a sputtering target and confines
the plasma to the vicinity of the target. Ions from the high-density plasma sputter material,
predominantly in the form of neutral atoms, from the target onto a substrate.
MBE Molecular beam epitaxy.
MEMS MicroElectroMechanical Systems.
MicroElectroMechanical
Systems (MEMS)
Technology used to integrate various electro-mechanical functions onto integrated circuits. A typical
MEMS device combines a sensor and logic to perform a monitoring function. Examples include sensing
devices used to control the deployment of airbags in cars and switching devices used in optical
telecommunications cables.
Microfluidics Liquid streams used to separate, control, or analyze at the nanoscale.
Molecular beam epitaxy
(MBE)
Process used to make compound (multi-layer) semiconductors. Consists of depositing alternating
layers of materials, layer by layer, one type after another (such as the semiconductors gallium
arsenide and aluminium gallium arsenide).
Molecular computing Molecular computing could replace silicon-based computing by the end of the decade.
Molecular electronics Any system with atomically precise electronic devices of nanometre dimensions, especially if made of
discrete molecular parts rather than the continuous materials found in today's semiconductor devices.
Molecular machines Molecular machines are proteins that convert (electro)chemical energy generated across a membrane
into external mechanical work. They are responsible for a wide variety of functions from muscle
contraction to cell locomotion, copying and processing DNA, movement of chromosomes, cellular
division, movement of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles, and production of ATP etc.
Molecular motors The mechanical properties of molecular motors can be thought of in terms of rectifying thermal
ratchets and impedance matching lever systems (that couple enzyme-active sites to external loads).
For many of the systems it is now possible to reconstitute their function using purified proteins and to
observe and measure the forces and movements that they produce during a single chemical cycle. In
other words, the mechanochemical processes at the level of a single molecule can be measured.
Furthermore, ‘man-made’ molecular motors are being developed based either on hybrid
constructions of existing biological motors (rotary and linear) or made from man-made materials but
using molecular-motor design principles.
Molecular-scale
manufacturing
Manufacturing using molecular machinery, giving molecule-by-molecule control of products and by-
products via positional chemical synthesis.
Molecular switch A molecular switch is a logic gate, a necessary computing component in molecular computing used to
represent the binary language of digital computing. Molecular switches would be many times cheaper
than traditional solid-state devices, and would allow for continued miniaturization and increases in
power that silicon-based components would never be able to reach.
Molecular wire A quasi-one-dimensional molecule that can transport charge carriers (electrons or holes) between its
ends.
Molecule Group of atoms held together by chemical bonds, a molecule is the typical unit manipulated by
nanotechnology.
Mesoporous Mesoporous materials are porous materials with regularly arranged, uniform mesopores (2-50nm in
diameter). Their large surface areas make them useful as adsorbents or catalysts.
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Modelling Aims to provide the quanti-tative understanding of physical systems and processes. It ranges from
offering a framework of understanding to quanti-tative predictions based on state of the art
calculations. At the nanoscale, modelling can analyse and predict properties of systems, processes and
other phenomena in ways that complement experiment.
Molecular (including bio-
molecular) nanotechnology
Molecular sensing and molecular recognition. Much of the research is at the interface between the life
and physical sciences. This includes: lab-on-a-chip and smart sensors for medical and environmental
monitoring and diagnosis; tissue repair; targeted drug delivery. At the single cell level: gene therapy
and screening; drug testing; design of nanomachines; replacement structures.
Moore's Law The observation made in 1965 by Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, that the number of transistors
per square inch on integrated circuits had doubled every year since the integrated circuit was
invented. Moore predicted that this trend would continue for the foreseeable future.
MWNT Multi-walled nanotubes.
nano A prefix meaning one billionth (1/1 000 000 000).
Nanobiotechnology Nanotechnology integrated into the biology realm, in particular into molecular biology and cell
biology. At the interface between biotechnology and nanotechnology, nanobiotechnologists carry out
research on the phenomena of self-assembly or self-organisation of biomolecules such as cell
membranes or virus particles, in order to adapt these principles to the technical production of
nanostructures.
Nanocomposites Polymer/inorganic nanocomposites are composed of two or more physically distinct components (e.g.
metals, ceramics, polymers and biological materials) with one or more average dimensions smaller
than 100nm. From the structural point of view, the role of inorganic filler, usually as particles or fibres,
is to provide intrinsic strength and stiffness while the polymer matrix can adhere to and bind the
inorganic component so that forces applied to the composite are transmitted evenly to the filler. The
material’s properties, e.g. hardness, transparency, porosity are altered.
Nanocrystal Molecular-sized solids formed with a repeating, 3D pattern of atoms or molecules with an equal
distance between each part. Nanocrystals are aggregates of anywhere from a few hundred to tens of
thousands of atoms that combine into a crystalline form of matter known as a ‘cluster’. Typically
around 10nm in diameter, nanocrystals are larger than molecules but smaller than bulk solids and
therefore frequently exhibit physical and chemical properties somewhere in-between. Nanocrystals
are believed to have potential in optical electronics because of their ability to change the wavelength
of light.
Nano-electromechanical
systems (NEMS)
Devices and machines, an extension of present-day micro machines and micro actuators into the nano
domain. Protein motors, capable of linear or rotary motion. DNA and active devices such as
nanowires, switches, motors and tweezers.
Nanoelectronics Electronics on a nanometre scale, whether made by current techniques or nanotechnology; includes
both molecular electronics and nanoscale devices resembling today's semiconductor devices.
Nanofabrication Using ‘top down’ techniques for the manufacture of materials with dimensions less than 100 nm,
involving lithographic techniques beyond the optical domain using electron beam and X-ray
lithography. Advanced manufacturing processes and instrumentation for manipulation at the
nanoscale, including scanning probe techniques, focused ion beam technology and nanomanipulators.
Nanofibres Hollow and solid carbon fibres with lengths on the order of a few microns and widths varying from
tens of nanometres to around 200nm.
Nanofiltration Nanofiltration is a pressure-driven membrane process that can separate molecules in the 200-1000
Dalton range. It can be used either to allow valuable molecules to permeate through the membrane
(retaining impurities or unwanted materials) or to retain valuable materials (product, catalyst, etc.)
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whilst allowing the other components of the fluid to permeate through the membrane.
Nanofluidics Controlling nanoscale amounts of fluids.
Nanolithography Nanolithography is the art and science of etching, writing, or printing at the microscopic level, where
the dimensions of characters are on the order of nanometres. This includes various methods of
modifying semiconductor chips at the atomic level for the purpose of fabricating integrated circuits
(ICs). Instruments used in nanolithography include the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) and the
atomic force microscope (AFM). Both allow surface viewing in fine detail without necessarily
modifying it. Either the STM or the AFM can be used to etch, write, or print on a surface in single-atom
dimensions.
Nanomanipulation The process of manipulating items at an atomic or molecular scale in order to produce precise
structures.
Nanometre One billionth of a metre / 10-9m, / a millionth of a millimetre.
Nanometrology Precise measurement below 100nm and development of measurement techniques.
Nanophotonics Nanophotonics is the nano-engineering of light-matter interactions so that new phenomena of physics
can be utilized to develop novel optoelectronics devices which can be well beyond the capability of
the conventional photonics and electronics.
Nanopores Nanoscopic pores found in purpose-built filters, sensors, or diffraction gratings.
Nanoscale Between 0.1-100nm.
Nano-science Nanoscience is concerned with obtaining an understanding of fundamental phenomena, properties
and functions at the nano-scale, that are not scalable outside the nanometre domain.
Nanospring A nanowire wrapped into a helix.
Nanostructured materials Where grain and composite size is less than 100nm, offering potential for stronger, more wear and
corrosion resistant materials. These include carbon nanotubes, biomaterials, thin films, anti-corrosion
coatings, colloids and nanopowders.
Nanotechnology Nanotechnology is the term used to cover the design, construction and utilization of functional
structures with at least one characteristic dimension measured in nanometres. Such materials and
systems can be designed to exhibit novel and significantly improved physical, chemical and biological
properties, phenomena and processes as a result of the limited size of their constituent particles or
molecules. The reason for such interesting and very useful behaviour is that when characteristic
structural features are intermediate in extent between isolated atoms and bulk macroscopic
materials; i.e., in the range of about 10-9m to 10-7 m (1 to 100 nm), the objects may display physical
attributes substanti-ally different from those displayed by either atoms or bulk materials. Ultimately
this can lead to new technological opportunities as well as new challenges.
Nanotube Nanotubes are a material with remarkable tensile strength. Nanotube-based materials are anti-
cipated to become 50-100 times stronger than steel at one-sixth of the weight. Nanotubes are a one-
dimensional fullerene (a convex cage of atoms with only hexagonal and/or pentagonal faces) with a
cylindrical shape.
Nanowires One-dimensional structures, with unique electrical and optical properties, that are used as building
blocks in nanoscale devices.
NEMS NanoElectroMechanical Systems.
nm Nanometre.
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organic LED An LED made from carbon-based molecules, not semiconductors.
PEO Poly(ethylene oxide)
Photolithography The technique used to produce the silicon chips that make up modern-day computers. The traditional
process involves shining light through a mask onto a photosensitive polymer (photoresist) on a silicon
surface, then subsequently removing the exposed areas.
Photonics Electronics using light (photons) instead of electrons to manage data.
Physical vapour deposition
(PVD)
Along with CVD, a group of surface treatments applied on tools and machine elements. In the area of
machining and tooling PVD coatings are widely used to increase the life and productivity of production
tools and therefore reducing manufacturing costs.
Pilling formation Pilling formation is a phenomenon that results from the abrasion process and affects fabrics by
altering their surface.
Polymers Tiny molecules strung in long repeating chains form polymers. DNA is a polymer as are the proteins
and starches in foods and the tyres on bikes and cars. Polymers are generally recyclable. In
nanotechnology examples include organic-based materials that emit light when an electric current is
applied to them and vica versa, and use in computing and energy conversion.
Proteomics Refers to all the proteins expressed by a genome, and thus proteomics involves the identification of
proteins in the body and the determination of their role in physiological and pathophysiological
functions.
PVD Physical vapour deposition.
Quantum computer A computer that takes advantage of quantum mechanical properties such as superposition and
entanglement resulting from nanoscale, molecular, atomic and subatomic components.
Quantum dot Fluorescent nanoparticles that are invisible until ‘lit up’ by ultraviolet light. A nanoscale crystalline
structure that can transform the colour of light. The quantum dot is considered to have greater
flexibility than other fluorescent materials, which makes it suited to use in building nanoscale
computing applications where light is used to process information. They are made from a variety of
different compounds, such as cadmium selenide that produce different colours of light. Quantum dots
have potential applications in telecommunications and optics.
Quantum wire Another form of quantum dot, but unlike the single-dimension ‘dot’, a quantum wire is confined only
in two dimensions - that is it has ‘length’, and allows the electrons to propagate in a ‘particle-like’
fashion. Constructed typically on a semiconductor base.
Reactive ion etching (RIE) This is a key aspect in integrated circuit engineering and serves to transfer a pre-defined pattern into
the required substrate anisotropically through an interplay between the chemical reactive radicals and
physical ion bombardment in the plasma. In the semiconductor industry, this technology is used in the
fabrication of advanced devices for high-speed electronics and optoelectronics.
Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM)
Utilized in medical science and biology and in such diverse fields as materials development, metallic
materials, ceramics, and semiconductors. SEM involves the manipulation of an e-beam that is scanned
across the surface of specially prepared specimens to obtain a greatly enlarged, high-resolution image
of the specimen's exposed structure. Specimens are scanned with a very fine probe (‘tip’) and the
strength of interaction between the tip and surface us monitored. The specimen can be observed
whole for assessing external structure or freeze-fracture techniques can be used to image internal
structures. STM led to the development of a related technology, atomic force microscopy.
Scanning force microscope
(SFM)
A SFM works by detecting the vertical position of a probe while horizontally scanning the probe or the
sample relative to the other. The probe is in physical contact with the sample and its vertical position
is detected by detecting the position of a reflected laser beam with a photo diode that consists of two
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or four segments.
scanning near field optical microscopy (SNOM)
The operational principle behind near-field optical imaging involves illuminating a specimen through a
sub-wavelength sized aperture whilst keeping the specimen within the near-field regime of the
source. Broadly speaking, if the aperture-specimen separation is kept roughly less than half the
diameter of the aperture, the source does not have the opportunity to diffract before it interacts with
the sample and the resolution of the system is determined by the aperture diameter as oppose to the
wavelength of light used. An image is built up by raster-scanning the aperture across the sample and
recording the optical response of the specimen through a conventional far-field microscope objective.
(As opposed to conventional optical microscopy or ‘far-field optical microscopy’).
Scanning probe microscope
(SPM)
In SPM a nanoscopic probe is maintained at a constant height over a bed of atoms. The probe can be
positioned so close to individual atoms that the electrons of the probe-tip and atom begin to interact.
These interactions can be strong enough to ‘lift’ the atom and move it to another place.
Scanning Probe Microscopy Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) has revolutionised our ability to characterise the surface
morphologies of complex and difficult materials. Since the earliest scanning tunnelling microscopy
images revealed the arrangements of atoms in semiconductor surfaces, the capability of SPM for the
visualisation of surface structures has been clear
Scanning tunnelling
microscope (STM)
A device that obtains images of the atoms on the surfaces of materials - important for understanding
the topographical and electrical properties of materials and the behaviour of microelectronic devices.
The STM is not an optical microscope; instead it works by detecting electrical forces with a probe that
tapers down to a point only a single atom across. The probe in the STM sweeps across the surface of
which an image is to be obtained. The electron shells, or clouds, surrounding the atoms on the surface
produce irregularities that are detected by the probe and mapped by a computer into an image.
Because of the quantum mechanical effect called ‘tunnelling’ electrons can hop between the tip and
the surface. The resolution of the image is in the order of 1nm or less.
SEM Scanning electron microscope.
Semiconductor A substance, usually a solid chemical element or compound, that can conduct electricity under some
conditions but not others, making it a good medium for the control of electrical current. Its
conductance varies depending on the current or voltage applied to a control electrode, or on the
intensity of irradiation by infrared (IR), visible light, ultraviolet (UV), or X rays.
SFM Scanning force microscope.
Sol-gels Sol–gel methods involve a set of chemical reactions which irreversibly convert a homogeneous
solution of molecular reactant precursors (a sol) into an infinite molecular weight three-dimensional
polymer (a gel) forming an elastic solid filling the same volume as the solution. Typically this involves a
hydrolysis reaction followed by condensation polymerization.
Spintronics Electronics that exploits the spin of an electron in some way, rather than just its charge.
Self-assembling
monolayers (SAMs)
Organic or inorganic substances spontaneously form a layer one molecule thick on a surface.
Additional layers can be added, leading to laminates where each layer is just one molecule in depth.
There is a wide range of applications, based on properties ranging from being chemically active to
being wear resistant.
Self-assembly Refers to the use in materials processing or fabrication of the tendency of some materials to organize
themselves into ordered arrays (e.g., colloidal suspensions). This provides a means to achieve
structured materials "from the bottom up" as opposed to using manufacturing or fabrication methods
such as lithography, which is limited by the measurement and instrumentation capabilities of the day.
For example, organic polymers have been tagged with dye molecules to form arrays with lattice
spacing in the visible optical wavelength range and that can be changed through chemical means. This
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provides a material that fluoresces and changes colour to indicate the presence of chemical species.
Smart materials Reactive materials that combine sensors and actuators, and possibly computers, to enable a response
to environmental conditions and changes to those conditions. Applications include uniforms or aircraft
skins fabricated from radar-absorbing materials that incorporate avionic links and the ability to modify
shape in response to airflow.
SNOM Scanning near field optical microscopy.
SPM Scanning probe microscope.
STM Scanning tunnelling microscope.
SWNT Single walled nanotubes.
Thin films Thin films are atomically engineered layers of a wide variety of materials including metals, insulators
and semiconductors. The major applications of thin films are in modification of the surface properties
of solids. Individual films may be electrically conductive or non-conducting, hard or soft, thermally
conducting or insulating, optically transparent, or opaque. A thin film coating can transform the
electrical, mechanical and/or optical properties of a solid base material in a cost-effective way.
Common examples are scratch-resistant coatings for spectacles, anti-reflection coatings for lenses,
transparent conducting coatings for flat-panel displays, and low-friction coatings for bearings. Hard
coatings can significantly enhance the lifetime of cutting, drilling, and forming tools. Oxygen and
moisture barrier films are in widespread use in the packaging of foodstuffs, contributing to the long
shelf life of many convenience foods. Thin film coatings also have unique properties that may be
exploited in the polarization, reflection, transmission and absorption of light. Complex coatings can be
used to provide eye-protection from lasers without significant reduction in overall transmission and
other high-performance films are in use for the multiplexing of telecommunication laser signals. Other
inherent properties of thin films are used in microelectronics, magnetic recording and optical
recording media.
Top-down Refers to making nanoscale structures by machining and etching techniques. cf. bottom-up.
Wet nanotechnology The study of biological systems that exist primarily in a water environment. The functional nanometre-
scale structures of interest here are genetic material, membranes, enzymes and other cellular
components. The success of this nanotechnology is amply demonstrated by the existence of living
organisms whose form, function, and evolution are governed by the interactions of nanometre-scale
structures.
Zeolite Any one of a family of hydrous aluminum silicate minerals, whose molecules enclose cations of
sodium, potassium, calcium, strontium, or barium, or a corresponding synthetic compound, used
chiefly as molecular filters and ion-exchange agents. Zeolite nanocrystals can act as hosts for
supramolecular organization of molecules, complexes and clusters, thus encouraging the design of
precise functionalities. The main role of the zeolite framework is to provide the desired geometrical
properties for arranging and stabilizing the incorporated species.