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International Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science

Vol. 7(1), pp. 624-634, January, 2020. © www.premierpublishers.org, ISSN: 2167-0449

Review Article

Nanotechnology Applications in Crop Production and


Food Systems
*Noel Ndlovu1, Tatenda Mayaya2, Clemence Muitire3 and Norman Munyengwa4
1Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O.
Box 378, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
2,3Crop Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare,

Zimbabwe.
4Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, University of Yaounde' I, P. O. Box 1937, Yaounde', Cameroon

Global food insecurities, climate change, and population increments exert enormous pressure on
the existing agro-food systems. The aforementioned constraints call for the adoption of novel and
result-oriented scientific innovations. Nanotechnology is an emerging and promising innovation
with a great potential to significantly and sustainably promote enhanced agricultural productivity
and proliferate the efficiency of food systems. Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at
atomic and molecular levels in the production of specialized microscale-based products or
devices. The application of nanotechnology in agriculture encompasses; nutrition management,
insect pest and disease control, precision farming, plant breeding, and waste management. On
the other hand, nanotechnology is also being applied in all facets of food systems including;
production, processing, transportation, and packaging. Despite the wide applicability of
nanotechnologies, elevating concerns on their potential health and environmental risks continue
to sway among consumers and policymakers. Furthermore, the absence of a defined and
complete global regulatory standard and framework for nanotechnology utilization derail its wide
adoption and acceptability. The main thrust of this review is to present in summary the numerous
nanotechnological applications in agriculture and food industries paying particular attention to
the current technological trends, potential benefits, associated risks, and the future outlook.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Agro-food Systems, Food Insecurities, Climate Change, Scientific Innovations

INTRODUCTION

Nanotechnology is the scientific study, creation, design, The agricultural industry is always changing thereby
manipulation, synthesis, and application of devices, creating both opportunities and challenges for the present
functional materials, and systems through controlling and future generations (Sabourin and Ayande, 2015). At
matter at a nanometer scale (1–100 nm), and exploiting its the present moment, climate change is negatively affecting
properties and novel phenomena at that scale crop productivity across the world as evidenced by the
(Salamanca-Buentello et al., 2005). Nanotechnology negative slopping trend in crop yields. The application of
integrates a different range of applied sciences such as nanotechnologies in agriculture can promote the
chemistry, physics, biology, medicine and engineering to realization of food security in light of the projected
produce materials possessing unique properties such as increments in the global population. Meetoo (2011)
high surface area, target site of action and slow release of asserted that, nanotechnology provides a sustainable
particular elements (Ghidan and Antary, 2019;Huang et solution to agricultural production constraints in natural
al., 2015;Joshi et al., 2019;Kalpana Sastry et al.,
2012;Khan and Rizvi, 2014;Nikalje, 2015). Research *Corresponding Author: Noel Ndlovu; Department of
studies are currently taking heed of the multifaceted Horticulture and Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and
attributes of nanotechnologies and exploiting them for Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378,
enhancing crop production and improving food systems. Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia. Email: noelndlovujr@gmail.com

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Ndlovu et al. 625

resource depleted communities. Sabourin and Ayande b) To assess the adoption implications and future potential
(2015) stated that, the adoption of nanotechnology can of nanotechnology in agricultural and food systems.
promote development and transformation in the food
sector, enhance agricultural productivity, and industrial Application of Nanotechnology in Agriculture
economic growth by a 30% margin (Average: US$0.9
trillion). The high potential nature of nanotechnology Agricultural applications of nanotechnology have been
render it more suitable for less-developed countries and widely reported via numerous platforms over the years.
economies (Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). Joshi et al. (2019) highlighted that, the main purpose of
Furthermore, the adoption of nanotechnology can increase nanotechnology in agriculture is to minimize the volume of
the competitiveness of the agricultural industry and boost spread chemicals, reduce nutrient losses during
its annual growth rate (Sabourin and Ayande, 2015). The fertilization, and increase the crop yield through nutrient
main thrust of nanotechnologies in agriculture is to and pest management. Additionally, nanotechnology
minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers; to reduce enhances the performance and acceptability of agricultural
nutrient losses during fertilization and; to increase overall technologies by increasing their effectiveness and safety
yield margins of cultivated crops through optimal nutrient in use (Iavicoli et al., 2017;Rawat et al., 2018;Srilatha,
management (Fawzy et al., 2018; Abobatta, 2018). 2011).
Prominent industry players such as Syngenta, BASF,
Monsanto, Cargill, and Bayer Crop Science are currently Nutrient Management
undertaking research and commercialization of nano-
derived agrochemicals and seeds (Lyons, 2010). Nanotechnology is utilized for nutrient management in
cropping systems through nanotechnological applications
The rapid advances in nanotechnology are also such as nanofertilizers, nanocoating, nanoescapsulation,
transforming many food science domains, especially nanotubes, growth regulators and zerovalent particles.
processing, functionality, packaging, safety, storage, Mikkelsen (2018) underscored that, nanofertilizers are
transportation aspects of food (Bajpai et al., 2018) and classified into three main classes namely: (a) nanoscale
other marketing facilities (Joshi et al., 2019). fertilizers (nanomaterials containing nutrients); (b)
Nanotechnologies are currently shifting the face of the nanoscale coating (nanoparticles coated or loaded on
food industry by reducing losses from food spoilage, traditional fertilizers i.e. nanocoating) and; (c) nanoscale
creating new business possibilities (nano-products) and additives (nanoscale additives mixed with traditional
providing safety assurance platforms. The food industry fertilizers). Nanofertilizers have a high surface area and
heavyweights (for instance; Altria, H.J. Heinz, Nestle and high supply at an active site which increase their
Unilever) have been investing heavily in research and absorption rates by plants and ultimately helps in
development of nanoproducts over the past years (Ozimek minimizing environmental pollution (El-Ghamry et al.,
et al., 2010). This recorded interest is a true testament to 2018;Joshi et al., 2019). Nanofertilizers (e.g., zeolites and
the perceived potential benefits of using nanoclays) slowly release nutrients throughout the life
nanotechnologies. cycle of the crop thereby reducing the risks of leaching,
adsorption, surface runoff and decomposition (Joshi et al.,
However, the future impacts of nanotechnology to 2019). Zeolites are naturally occurring minerals that have
agriculture, health and safety is of prime interest and a honeycomb-like layered crystal structure which can be
debate among the concerned stakeholders especially loaded with macronutrients and essential micronutrients
upon mirroring on similar issues and concerns raised on needed for plant growth (Joshi et al., 2019). The slow
some previously implemented emerging technologies mineral release nature of zeolites enhances the nutrient
(Chung et al., 2017; Roco et al., 2011). The potential risk use efficiency rates of crops. Essential micronutrients may
to human health, animals and the environment should be also be foliar applied through nanotechnology.
assessed and prioritized (Dimitrijevic et al., 2015). Meetoo
(2011) asserted that, no regulatory or statutory standards Cieschi et al. (2019) conducted an iron availability
have been put in place on the global market to ensure experiment with three iron-humic nanofertilizers (57Fe-
proper labeling of all food products containing NFs) on a calcareous soil pot trial under growth chamber
nanoparticles. Despite the concerns on the potential risk of conditions. The research compared the iron nutrition
some nanomaterials, nanotechnology remains a contribution of the three hybrid nanomaterials in iron-
sustainable and a significant alternative in bringing change deficient soybean plants. The nanofertilizers allowed
and increasing the efficiency of agricultural and food continuous iron uptake and exhibited high shoot fresh
systems (Elemike et al., 2019). weight. Janmohammadi et al. (2017) also carried out an
experiment to compare the effects of nanostructured
Objectives of this Review fertilizers (Mn, Zn, Fe) and farmyard manure (Zero (M1),
20 (M2) t/ha) on agronomical attributes and yield of
a) To outline the applications of nanotechnologies in the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The study
agricultural and food industries, and; exhibited the best performance levels from the nano-
chelated Zn and manure combination treatments.

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Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 626

Furthermore, Fe and Zn application increased achene Plant regulators such as nano-5 and Nano-Gro are also
yield, oil concentration and the harvest index of sunflower. being produced to enhance the hormonal effects in plants
Furthermore, Kale and Gawade (2016) evaluated the (Joshi et al., 2019). Syngenta has been selling a nano-
effect of combining N (15%): P (15%): K (15%) and ZnO formulated plant growth regulator under the trade name
nanoparticles (ZnO NP) on brinjal (Solanum melongena L) Primo MAXX for several years (Miller and Senjen, 2008).
growth attributes. The research concluded that, the Plant hormones are directly involved in all development
combination increased yield and biomass of brinjal by 38% processes and play a role in the ability of plants to absorb
and 21% respectively. nutrients from the soil. However, the absorption efficiency
and overall effects of nanomaterials on the metabolic
Nanocoating is one of the most common strategies functions and growth vary among plants (Duhan et al.,
utilized in nano-nutrient supplementation. In this 2017).
procedure, traditional fertilizers are coated with
nanoparticles to enhance their stability in the soil and
absorption coefficients by plants. Nanocoated fertilizers
have low dissolution rates in the soil (Duhan et al., 2017)
which increases their soil lifespan and availability for plant
uptake. A good example of a nanocoated fertilizer is the
Slow-soluble Released fertilizers (SRFs). SRFs are made
by coating the traditional fertilizer granules with
nanomaterials which promote the slow release of nutrients
for plant uptake (Fawzy et al., 2018). Nanocoating nitrogen
and phosphate fertilizers will be beneficial in meeting the
crop and soil demands (Duhan et al., 2017). The release
of nutrients as per crop requirements can also be regulated
through the use of nanotubes (Fawzy et al., 2018).
Nanotubes are organic or inorganic atomic sheets
arranged in a tube structure which can be loaded with plant
nutrients.
Fig 1: A Schematic Illustration of the Nutrient/Pesticide/
Nanoencapsulation is the technology of loading liquid, Herbicide Controlled Release Mechanism.
solid or gas nanoparticles in a secondary matrix to form Adapted from: Duhan et al. (2017)
nanocapsules. Nanoecapsulation plays a pivotal role in
protecting the environment by reducing evaporation and Precision Agriculture
leaching of harmful substances (Duhan et al., 2017).
Nanoencapsulated fertilizers are characterized by their Precision agriculture or farming is the development and
slow release of nutrients for plant uptake properties (as utilization of wireless networking and miniaturization of
shown in Fig 1 and 3). Chitosan and Carrageenan are sensors for assessing, monitoring, and controlling
secondary nano-materials that are normally used in agricultural practices (Shang et al., 2019). It utilizes
encapsulating fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Duhan computers, GPS and remote sensing devices in
et al. (2017) highlighted that, the addition of nitrogen, measuring highly-localized environmental conditions and
phosphorus and potassium was found to increase the aid in determining crop growth efficiency and existing
stability of the chitosan-polymethacrylic acid (CS-PMAA) problems (Duhan et al., 2017). Precision farming
colloidal suspension. decreases agricultural wastes thereby participating in
minimizing environmental pollution (Anjum and Pradhan,
Nanotechnology can be utilized for ensuring the availability 2018; Gul et al., 2014). Joshi et al. (2019) asserted that,
of ions in plant utilizable forms and at rates suitable for precision agriculture will continue to benefit immensely
plant growth (Mukhopadhyay, 2014). Mukhopadhyay from nanotechnology through enhanced nutrient
(2014) explained that, the ion adsorption, surface area, absorption by plants, efficient and targeted utilization of
cation exchange capacity (CEC), and complexation inputs and disease detection. The application of
functions of clays might be multiplied further when brought nanomaterials in precision agriculture enhances the
to a nanoscale. The ability of soils to hold on to nutrients is effectiveness of operations. Nanomaterials positively
enhanced by the increase in CEC. Furthermore, the influence the level of crop productivity by enhancing the
application of zerovalent particles of iron with high efficiency of agri-inputs utilization through site-targeted
adsorption affinity for organic compounds can also be and controlled nutrient delivery facilitation (Shang et al.,
harnessed for soil remediation in pesticides contaminated 2019). Joshi et al. (2019) stressed that; the integration of
arable lands (Mukhopadhyay, 2014). Furthermore, nanomaterials, remote sensing and the global positioning
compounds of Titanium and Silicon nanoparticles have system (GPS) could hasten the detection of insect pest
been found to enhance the nitrate reductase action and infestations or drought and nutrient deficiency stress
the absorption capacity to water and fertilizer in soybean incidences based on spectral images. Furthermore, the
plants (Ali et al., 2018). use of nanosensors in precision agriculture and

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Ndlovu et al. 627

nanomaterials for site-specific water and soil conservation Nanomaterials such as silver ions, polymeric
(e.g. Nano and Geohumus) helps in the efficient utilization nanoparticles, iron oxide and gold nanoparticles are
of natural resources (Joshi et al., 2019). currently used as pesticides (Ali et al., 2018). Silver
nanoparticles (AgNPs) serves a dual purpose of plant
Nanonetworks are also being used in advanced precision disease management and plant growth enhancement
farming projects for monitoring and detection of various (Anand and Bhagat, 2019). Nanosilver has a strong
field-based profiles (Fig 2). A nanonetwork is a group of bactericidal and a broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties
inter-connected nanomachines assembled to perform and controls spore-producing fungal pathogens (Agrawal
computing, sensing, data storage, and actuation. and Rathore, 2014).
Nanonetworks gives automatic alerts on the input status or
profile for efficient usage of fertilizers, pesticides, and Nanopesticides have high permeability implying that less
water (Marchiol, 2018). The alerts provide a significant volume is required per application which ultimately
base for timely and accurate decision-making in translates to reduced costs (Fawzy et al., 2018).
sustainable crop production (Marchiol, 2018). Nanopesticides also increase the wettability and
Furthermore, wireless nanosensors are also being utilized dispersion of pesticide formulations thereby decreasing
to monitor crop disease incidences and growth rates, chemical runoff and unwanted pesticide movement
nutrient use efficiency, and field environmental conditions (Handford et al., 2014). Microencapsulation (Fig 1) has
(He et al., 2019). been employed as a reliable tool for hydrophobic
pesticides since it increases their dispersion in aqueous
mediums and induces a controlled-release profile of the
active compounds (He et al., 2019;Sekhon, 2014). The
insecticide ethiprole contains Polylactic acid and
polycaprolactone nanospheres as encapsulation agents
(Sekhon, 2014). Bioefficacy studies of nanoescapsulated
Immidacropid (1-(6 chloro-3-pyridinylmethyl)-N-nitro
imidazolidin-2-ylideneamine) was conducted on whitefly
(Bemisiatabaci Gennadius) and stem fly
(Melanagromyzasojae Zehntmer) and exhibited better
pest control in soybean (Sekhon, 2014). On the other
hand, research has also reported that, herbicide
penetration through tissues and cuticles can be enhanced
through the use of nanocapsules which allow the slow and
constant release of the active compounds (Sekhon, 2014).

Fig 2: Nano-network System for Plant Monitoring


Operations. Source:Marchiol (2018)

Pest and Disease Management

Nanotechnologies have been incorporated in pest (i.e.


insects and weeds) and plant disease management
research schemes targeting the timely detection and
control in major crops. Nanomaterials of different forms
have been shown to be efficient in pest and disease Fig 3: (a) Nanocapsule Model with macro/microelements.
management (Anand and Bhagat, 2019). Nanotechnology (b) Deposition after leaf-spray treatment.
in crop pest and disease management is applied via two Source: Marchiol (2018)
mechanisms namely: (a) nanoparticles used as the main
Nanomaterials have been reported to control several
control agent (complete pesticides or part formulations), or
diseases including powdery mildew in major crops such as
(b) nanoparticles used as carriers of traditional pesticides
pumpkin. Research experiments have also shown that
(Worrall et al., 2018). Nanopesticides may be
fungal hyphae growth and conidial germination are
encapsulated in nanoparticles (Fig 3) to ensure the
inhibited significantly by nanomaterials especially silver
controlled release and, nano-emulsions for good control of
and copper nanoparticles (Gul et al., 2014). Chitosan
pests (for example the Allosperse Delivery System),
nanoparticles are a special product of nanotechnology
adjuvant and Nano revolution-2 (Joshi et al., 2019).

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Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 628

which is being used for seed treatment and as a solutions. The applications of nanoparticles in nutrient
biopesticide for fungal infections (Duhan et al., 2017). delivery, pest and disease control shape-up success and
Furthermore, nano-coating seeds with elemental forms of enhances the efficiency of a hydroponics system.
Mn, Zn, Pt, Pa, Ag, and Au protect seeds from pathogen
infestations (Agrawal and Rathore, 2014). Studies have Researchers have also carried experiments on increasing
also reported that, small-sized particles of sulfur seed germination through imbibing seeds in nano-
nanoparticles (35 nm) have a high efficacy in preventing encapsulations containing specific bacterial strains of
fungal growth in tomato, potato, grape and apple from Pseudomonas spp (Joshi et al., 2019). The experiments
different diseases in organic farming (Joshi et al., 2019). led to the development of Smart Seed varieties which are
Furthermore, the use of capric oxide in controlling tomato programmed to detect when the right conditions are
diseases achieved 95% efficiency with very low available for germination (Joshi et al., 2019). Furthermore,
concentrations as shown in experiments documented by the application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on major food
Fawzy et al. (2018). Studies conducted on maize showed crops has been shown to promote plant growth, minimize
that, the application of nanosilica (20–40 nm) improved disease severity and increase yield by a 30% margin
resistance against Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus (Agrawal and Rathore, 2014). Recent studies have begun
niger (Duhan et al., 2017). exploring the utilization of nanoparticles in photosynthesis
as synthetic probes in augmenting how plants use light
Spraying nanosilica has a positive influence on the feeding (Swift et al., 2019).
preference of Spodoptera littoralis on tomato plants
thereby enhancing the resistance levels of plants (Gul et Nanomaterials are also being used extensively in
al., 2014). The spray affects the reproduction potential of agricultural waste recycling initiatives across the globe.
insect females thereby promoting insect population density The Central Research Institute of Cotton in India
reductions (Gul et al., 2014). The effect of nano-glycerin developed a technology for the production of nano-
has also been shown to be superior to that of normal cellulose from agricultural residues. Scaling-up recycling
glycerol in controlling pests over a short period of time in initiatives should be on the frontline in the fight against
numerous crops (Fawzy et al., 2018). Nanoherbicides are environmental degradation and pollution. Nanotechnology
currently being developed to offer a significant remedy to is also promoting environmental remediation through the
the problems in the management of perennial weeds and use of magnetic nanoparticles and nanofibers. Magnetic
weed seed banks (Joshi et al., 2019). An example of a nanoparticles facilitate the removal of soil contaminants
commercialized herbicide product developed through such as Hg, Zn and Pb (Joshi et al., 2019). Nanofibers are
nanotechnology is Karate® ZEON which is a quick-release utilized in encapsulating chemical pesticides, for
microencapsulated product composed of an active preventing the scattering of chemical components in the
ingredient called lambda-cyhalothrin (Agrawal and environment and ultimately reduce water and soil pollution
Rathore, 2014). (Mousavi and Rezaei, 2011). Moreover, nano-filtration and
nano-particles are being utilized in providing a high
Nanomaterials can be used in identifying pest and disease possibility of refining and eliminating microbial
infestation in plants even before farmer identification contaminants in water with great speed and accuracy
(Chakraborty et al., 2015). Nano-based virus diagnostics (Mousavi and Rezaei, 2011).
such as the multiplexed diagnostic kit can detect exact
strains of a virus and other pathogens (Joshi et al., 2019). Genetic Manipulation of Crops
The use of nanosensors which can detect pathogen levels
as low as parts-per-billion (Joshi et al., 2019) has improved Nano-biotechnology provide a set of tools and
the efficiency of plant-disease detection experiments. technological platforms for improving agricultural
Specifically, silver nanoparticles have recently been used productivity through genetic modification of plants and
effectively for detecting phytopathogens on seed and soil transportation of gene and drug molecules to specific
surfaces (Joshi et al., 2019). This timely detection and locations at a cellular level (Ali et al., 2018). The
identification of phytopathogens is of greater importance in incorporation of nanogenomics-based methods in plant
the control of plant diseases. breeding has enhanced precision in trait selection and
gene transfer, and reduced the overall breeding time
Agronomy and Environmental Sensitivity requirements (Abd-Elsalam and Alghuthaymi, 2014).
Nanosensors have also been used in reducing the levels
Nanotechnology is also opening new avenues with a of pollen contamination on wind-pollinated plant species
greater potential for enhancing agricultural productivity (Agrawal and Rathore, 2014). Nanogenetic manipulation
and promoting environmental sensitivity. Several research through the use of nanoparticles, nanocapsules and
studies have presented the possibility of employing nanofibers (Agrawal and Rathore, 2014) is providing a
nanotechnologies in hydroponics production systems of sustainable approach to crop improvement initiatives.
vegetables and fruits (Ali et al., 2018). Hydroponics is a
production system which encompasses the cultivation of Nanotechnology in plant breeding, is being utilized for
plants in a soil-less media composed of nutrient-water plant DNA transfer in breeding for insect-pest resistance

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Ndlovu et al. 629

schemes (Duhan et al., 2017). Nanoparticles provide a thereby increasing the shelf life through its gas or water
source of protection to the DNA from enzymatic attack vapor permeability influences (Rashidi and Khosravi-
during its transfer into and within plant cells (Joldersma Darani, 2011).
and Liu, 2018). Experiments exhibited that the plasmid
DNA can be successfully transferred using the gene gun
method with gold-capped nanoparticles in maize and
tobacco tissues (Agrawal and Rathore, 2014).
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs)/DNA complexes
have been shown to have enhanced transfection efficiency
(Mustafa and Zaied, 2019). Furthermore, MSNs can be
used in delivering foreign genetic material (transformation)
and in carrying effectors (estradiol) which induces gene
expression (Mustafa and Zaied, 2019). Additionally,
nanobarcodes are utilized as identification tags in the
multiplexed analysis of gene expression for environmental
stress resistance (Duhan et al., 2017). Nanobarcode Fig 4: The effect of nano-plates in packaging material.
particles are developed through semi-automated Source: Wyser et al. (2016)
electroplating of inert metals (e.g., gold and silver) (Duhan
et al., 2017). The first nano-composite was produced by interacting an
organic substance such as a protein, lipid or peptide with
Application of Nanotechnology in Food Industries an inorganic substance (for instance calcium carbonate)
and form a toughened material (Rashidi and Khosravi-
The application of nanotechnology in agro-food systems Darani, 2011). Nanoclay is widely used for the packaging
possess tremendous benefits to the society (Meetoo, of food due to its thermal and mechanical barrier
2011). Singh et al. (2017) asserted that, the applications properties, and cost-effectiveness (He et al., 2019).
of nanotechnologies in food industry encompasses two Research has shown that, the addition of montmorillonite
main facets namely; food nanostructured ingredients (i.e. (3-5%) into the production of nano-composites make
food processing, nutrient enhancement, and packaging) plastics lighter and stronger with increased thermal
and food nanosensing (i.e. pathogen and freshness stability (Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). It also
detection). The application of nanotechnology in food increases barrier properties against carbon dioxide (CO2),
systems include nanosensors, nano based-food additives, oxygen (O2), moisture, and volatiles (Rashidi and
nanocapsules, nanopackaging and nanobased smart Khosravi-Darani, 2011). Bayer Polymers Company has
delivery systems (Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). developed and commercialized the Durethan (KU2-2601)
Nanotechnology enables researchers to manipulate the packaging film which prevents drying and protects against
existing food industry in ensuring product safety thereby oxygen and moisture build-up in food products (Pradhan
creating a culture of healthy and nutritional food et al., 2017).
consumption (Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani, 2011).
Food Processing and Safety
Food Packaging
Nanotechnology enables food and beverage industries to
Oxygen is one of the major problematic factors in food alter and manipulate their products for more effective
packaging, since it can promote or facilitate spoilage and nutrient delivery so as to specifically target the
discoloration of food products (Joshi et al., 2019; Mousavi enhancement of nutritional and health statuses of
and Rezaei, 2011). The inherent impermeability of consumers (Handford et al., 2014). Bajpai et al. (2018)
polymers to gases render polymer silicate nano- highlighted that, Nanotechnology enhances the
composites more ideal substitutes for packaging (Rashidi functionality of food either by increasing nano-sized
and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). Nanoparticles have been nutritional supplements or by the elimination of chemical
used to develop a new plastic-type that prevents the toxicants. However, some food products are known to
penetration of oxygen (Joshi et al., 2019). These plastics naturally contain nanomaterials. For instance, the natural
contain nanoparticles arranged in a zigzag film (Fig 4) nano-selenium content in green tea has numerous health
which prohibits the penetration of oxygen (Mousavi and benefits (Bajpai et al., 2018). On the other hand,
Rezaei, 2011). This approach provides a smart food nanomaterials can be developed to act as colour or flavour
packaging alternative for shelf-life optimization and additives, preservatives, or food supplement carriers (i.e.
reduction of losses arising from spoilages. The technology nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation) (He et al., 2019).
is also offering cost-effective methodologies for storage Nanomaterials are also used for the edible coating to
and distribution of agricultural products (Rashidi and protect against cosmetic, nutritional quality and post-
Khosravi-Darani, 2011). Moreover, the utilization of harvest losses (He et al., 2019). Nanolaminates are
nanoparticles in these plastics enhances the heat employed in the preparation of edible films and coatings
resistance and mechanical properties in food packaging for the food industry including vegetables, fruits, meats,

Nanotechnology Applications in Crop Production and Food Systems


Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 630

candies, chocolate, bakery products, and French fries America registered company) developed nano-barcodes
(Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). Nanolaminates visible only with a microscope as an anti-counterfeiting
consist of two or more physically or chemically bonded measure on their products (Alfadul and Elneshwy, 2010).
nanomaterials layers are also utilized in the food industry This initiative provides a reliable approach in ensuring
(Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). consumer awareness on company products and also acts
as a safety and control measure against counterfeiting.
Some signs depicted on frozen food products to give the
consumer an insight on the freshness level of the product FUTURE OUTLOOK: NANOTECHNOLOGY ADOPTION
are developed using nanotechnology. In frozen poultry,
three signs are used namely green (fresh product and safe Opportunities and Potential of Nanotechnologies
for consumption), orange (safe for consumption) and red
(not safe for consumption) (Fawzy et al., 2018). Suresh Nanotechnology has a great potential in revolutionizing the
Neethirajan (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg) developed 21st agricultural (Joseph and Morrison, 2006) and food
sensors for early detection of storage grain spoilage using industries (Hosseini et al., 2010; Spandana, 2016). The
microelectronics and nanotechnology (Mousavi and transformative potential of nanotechnology may be
Rezaei, 2011). Nanosensors used in plastic packaging heightened further through increased media coverage
detects gases produced during food spoilage allowing the alongside other scientific technologies such as
packaging material to change its color as an alert to the biotechnology, physics, and chemistry (Rashidi and
consumer (Pal, 2017). Nanotechnology has also seen the Khosravi-Darani, 2011). The beneficial sides of consuming
development of sensors that can detect Escherichia coli food products derived from nanotechnology need to be
contamination in food packages (Pal, 2017). Nanosensors fully explained to the ultimate consumers or beneficiaries
are also utilized in the detection of gases, toxins (including (Meetoo, 2011). Awareness of the benefits of such
pesticide residues) or pathogens in packaged foods products will increase their global adoption rates and
(Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). Additionally, market shares. The absence of established special
nanomaterials have been documented to increase the regulations on nanotechnology utilization in food
shelf-life of fruits. Nano-kutuzan is sprayed on strawberries production and processing (Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani,
to increase the shelf-life by 20-28 days without mold 2011) is a limiting factor to its acceptability by the general
development (Fawzy et al., 2018). populace. In the United States of America, the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) traditionally regulates many
Nano-encapsulated active ingredients such as vitamins products composed of particulate materials (Rashidi and
and fatty acids are presently being sold commercially for Khosravi-Darani, 2011). However, at the present moment
utilization in processing and preservation of meats, no policy frameworks and enforcing institutions have been
cheese, beverages and other foods (Miller and Senjen, established to oversee the production and marketing of
2008). Silver nanomaterials have also been reported to nanotechnologies. The establishment of a specific
have antimicrobial properties in the food production and regulation framework on nanotechnology will boost its
processing systems (Joshi et al., 2019). Nanotechnology consumer adoption levels. Dimitrijevic et al. (2015) alluded
may be utilized for rapid identification of nutrient that, the implementation of a regulatory framework and
deficiencies and food pathogen levels (Rashidi and good governance will further promote the acceptability and
Khosravi-Darani, 2011). Oxonica Inc (a United States of functionality of nanotechnology.

Fig 5: Opportunity Identification in Agro-food Industry. Source: Handford et al. (2014)

Nanotechnology Applications in Crop Production and Food Systems


Ndlovu et al. 631

Roco et al. (2011) underscored that, nanotechnology- course of the past decades has attracted public attention
enabled products are impacting the overall marketplace and generated elevating concerns (He et al., 2019). The
landscape as exhibited by its estimated economic value of general public continues to raise questions pertaining to
$254 billion worldwide. It is, therefore, rightly placed to the safety of such technologies on their well-being and that
positively impact the agricultural industry through of the environment. Environmental health concerns arising
enhanced business resource possibilities in the next are directly hinged on the interaction of nanoparticles used
decade (Sabourin and Ayande, 2015). Nanotechnology is as nano-pesticides, nanoherbicides, nanofertilizer, and the
participating in enhancing food security (Muller et al., immobilized nanosensors (He et al., 2019). The potential
2017), nutrient absorption by plants, pathogen detection, risks associated with direct exposure to nanoparticles are
flavour and nutrition (Rashidi and Khosravi-Darani, 2011). not well established and fully understood (Berekaa, 2015;
Researchers in Iran achieved a remarkable milestone Meetoo, 2011). The elevating concerns regarding their
fostering environmental sustainability by developing a fate, bioavailability, transport, and nanomaterials limits the
nano-organic iron-chelated fertilizer (Sekhon, 2014). It inclination to adopt and accept such technologies (Mishra
also has future potential applications which include et al., 2017). The environmental fate and behavior of
nanodelivery of veterinary products in fish food, nanomaterials are largely dependent on their
antibacterial surfaces fish food and nanosensors for water physicochemical properties (He et al., 2019). Predicting
pathogens detection (Sabourin and Ayande, 2015). the behavior and fate of these nanomaterials is limited by
the complexity and dynamism of environmental conditions
Risks Associated with Nanotechnology Adoption (He et al., 2019). Researchers are therefore presented
with a mammoth task of providing clarity on the subject
The increased application and utilization of matter.
nanotechnology in agriculture and food systems over the

Fig 6: Benefits Vs Potential Risks of Adopting Nanotechnology. Source: Handford et al. (2014)

Nanotechnology Applications in Crop Production and Food Systems


Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 632

A wide research gap exists on the potential health risks CONFLICT OF INTEREST
associated with the consumption of food products
containing nanoparticles (Meetoo, 2011). Handford et al. The authors of this article declare no conflict of interest.
(2014) outlined potential risks associated with nano-food
consumption in a schematic illustration shown in Fig 6. It
is therefore imperative to establish research schemes AUTHOR’S CONTRIBUTIONS
targeting the toxicity and health risks associated with the
consumption of nanofoods. Toxicity studies on the effects Authors conceived the study and equally participated in
of nanoparticles on the environment and health safety can designing and drafting of the manuscript. The authors
significantly influence consumer acceptability levels proof-read and approved the final draft of the manuscript.
(Ziarati et al., 2018). Furthermore, the continued
development of new research protocols and the
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24142558 provided the original author and source are cited.

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