Nanobiosensors hold considerable potential as future areas of
development for nanotechnology, according to a recent study.
However, ‘Nanobiotechnology perspectives. Role of nanotechnology
in the food industry: a review’, which is to be published in the
Journal of Food Science and Technology, claims case-by-case
toxicity studies are needed. “Advances in microfluid and
inorganic nanoparticle production have enabled the preparation
of efficient sensors to rapidly detect pathogens or pesticides
in food or on the farm or in the product on the market,” the
authors conclude. “The nanobiosensor can also be applied in
environmental pollution control in the food industry.
Functionalised food with nanoparticles as flavours and nutrients
carriers can enhance food quality and safety. “The important
issue in the immediate future will be the toxicity of these
nanomaterials in plants, animals and humans and then it must be
studied case to case.” Electronic noses and tongues, which use
arrays of nanosensors, have considerable