Chapter 12 - Nanotechnology in agriculture and bioencapsulation of probiotics/food additives

Abstract

Nanomaterials have emerging applications in several areas like agriculture, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical engineering, food industry, and optical physics. The importance of nanomaterials in various industries is due to their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. According to ISO and ASTM guidelines, the nanoparticles size varies from 1 nm to 100 nm. The structure of nanoparticles exists in various dimensions, such as zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensions. These nanomaterials are also classified into multiple categories, such as inorganic and organic-based nanoparticles. Nanoparticles possess enhanced properties due to their high reactivity, small particle size, and substantial surface area. They can be fabricated using chemical, physical, and biological means and play an essential role in the agriculture and food industries. Nanotechnology can also provide the effective solution for food safety and human health. It can produce several food additives and probiotics which have sufficient nutrition and built immunity against diseases. It has an application in crop improvement, crop protection, water purification, remediation of toxic materials, food processing, and packing. This chapter focuses on the classification, properties, synthesis methods, characterization methods, and application of nanotechnology in agriculture.