MBT 413 Nano Biotechnology

Lecture 29

NANOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

Ref: report prepared for Friends of the Earth Australia, Europe and United States 2nd edition April 2008

MBT 413 Nano Biotechnology

Lecture 29

Applications of nanotechnology in Food Systems

Single molecule detection to determine enzyme/substrate interactions Nanocapsules for delivery of pesticides, fertilizers and other agrichemicals more efficiently Delivery of growth hormones in a controlled fashion Nanosensors for monitoring soil conditions and crop growth Nanochips for identity preservation and tracking Nanosensors for detection of animal and plant pathogens Nanocapsules to deliver vaccines Nanoparticles to deliver DNA to plants (targeted genetic engineering)
Ref: report prepared for Friends of the Earth Australia, Europe and United States 2nd edition April 2008

MBT 413 Nano Biotechnology

Lecture 29

Applications of nanotechnology in Food Systems

Ref: Applications of nanotechnology in agriculture ppt. Alina Catrinel Ion University Politehnica of Bucharest

MBT 413 Nano Biotechnology

Lecture 29

Applications of nanotechnology in Food Systems

Type of product Super" combined fertilizer and pesticide Product name & manufacturer Pakistan-US Science and Technology Cooperative Program Nano content Purpose

Nano-clay capsule contains growth stimulants and biocontrol agents

Because it can be designed for slow release of active ingredients, treatment requires only one application over the life of the crop

Herbicide

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (India) and Technologico de Monterry (Mexico)

Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization

Nano-formulated

Designed to attack the seed coating of weeds, destroy soil seed banks and prevent weed germination
Very small size of nanocapsules increases their potency and may enable targeted release of active ingredients

Pesticides, including herbicides

Nano-encapsulated active ingredients

Ref: Applications of nanotechnology in agriculture ppt. Alina Catrinel Ion University Politehnica of Bucharest

MBT 413 Nano Biotechnology

Lecture 29

Applications of nanotechnology in Food Systems

Nano Sensors for Grain Storage

Carbon dioxide Sensor

Pressure Sensor

Humidity and Dust Sensor Odour Sensor

Ref: Applications of nanotechnology in agriculture ppt. Alina Catrinel Ion University Politehnica of Bucharest

MBT 413 Nano Biotechnology

Lecture 29

Applications of nanotechnology in Food Systems

Why nanoparticles pose new risks Nanoparticles are more chemically reactive than larger particles Nanoparticles have greater access to our bodies than larger particles Greater bioavailability and greater bioactivity may introduce new toxicity risks Nanoparticles can compromise our immune system response Nanoparticles may have longer term pathological effects Nanotoxicity remains very poorly understood. We dont know: What levels of nano-exposure we are currently facing What levels of exposure could harm our health or if there is any safe level of exposure