Role of nanoparticles in agriculture and food industry

Nanotechnology (NT) has hailed as new industrial revolution of 21st century adversely affecting the society perception of conventional methods usage in agriculture and food industry. Science of NT can be defined as manipulation at an atomic or molecular scale between 0.1 and 100 nm. NT meets consumers demand of fresh, veritable and nutrition rich food products. Nanomaterials in agriculture aim to reduce chemicals and nutrient losses while increase productivity through smart and controlled release of pest repellent and nutrients and prevention of contamination. Evolution of nanotechnology in food industry has contributed in the food processing, food package, and food preservation where focus is manufacturing of healthier food by employing nano-delivery systems in the process with a control on health related risks of nanotechnology in food industries and public acceptance of nanofoods and awareness about nanotoxicty with development of regulatory laws on raised safety issues. The review covers the current challenges of sustainability, food security and role of nanotechnology at different levels of food production, food packaging , food processing, safety concerns and public opinion with the exploration of wide ramifications of nanotechnology in agriculture and food industry.