3. Vocab
ENM-Engineered Nanomaterials
adsorption - Capability of a solid substance to attract to
its surface molecules of a gas or solution agglomeration
aggregation- a group or mass of distinct or varied things
oxidation-reaction in which a material gives up electrons
reduction reactions-the gaining of electrons.
bioaccumulate-become concentrated in the bodies of
living things
5. What is Nanofood?
contain engineered nanomaterials (ENMs)
metal oxide nanoparticles
man-made nanoparticles such as silver, titanium dioxide,
zinc oxide, silica, etc.
used in food supplements and food packaging
http://www.earth911.com/content/uploads/2011/03/Chip-Bags.jpg
6. Inorganic Nanomaterials
found in food additives and food
packaging/ storage
ENMs of...
transition metals (silver, iron, titanium, and
zinc)
alkaline earth metals (calcium and
magnesium)
non-metals (selenium and silicates)
s1.ibtimes.com (source)
7. Properties of ENMs
NanoSilver
Anti Microbial, Anti Odor, Supplements
NanoTitaniniuum
Block UV rays, Prevents microbial growth
Nano Zinc
Absorbs UV w/o emitting heat
NanoSilica
Caking Agent
10. Benefits of Nanofood
improved taste, texture, and consistency
preservation (shelf life extension) → enable
the foods to be transported further
150-600 nanofoods and 400-500 nano food
packaging applications are on the market
www-tc.pbs.org
12. Risk Assessment
food contamination may come from
nano pesticides
contact of food with nanoparticulate-based coatings during preparation or
processing
migration of ENMs from food packaging
surface coatings can make non harmful particles highly toxic
lack of data
animal testing shows potential harm for humans
possible correlation between ENMs and chronic disorders and
autoimmune diseases
13. Risk Assessment - Humans
expose humans to man-made nanoparticles
alter body metabolism
Ag - “damage cells derived from human and mammalian skin, liver, lung, brain,
vascular, and reproductive tissues”
TiO2 - absorbed through the lung or GIT into systemic circulation and then
distributed in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and brain
health complications
size allows ENMs to enter the food chain and bloodstream undetected and
accumulate within tissues and organs
low solubility allows ENMs to cross the “gastrointestinal tract as an intact particle”
harm the GIT by interacting with surfaces or inhabitants of the lumen (microbiota)
induce oxidative stress, release toxic ions, disrupt electron/ion cell membrane
transport activity and cause oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation
14. Risk Assessment -
Environment
ENMs may “undergo diverse physical, chemical, and
biological transformations” such as deposition,
adsorption, agglomeration, aggregation, and
oxidation/reduction reactions
environmental factors (pH, salinity, microbes, natural
organic material) may affect the reactivity, mobility,
and toxicity of ENMs
ENMs may bioaccumulate () in the food chain
15. Conclusion
increased use of ENMs in consumer
products will increase concern about
potential human toxicity and
environmental impact
“urgent need to gather information on this
subject” to determine: will the potential
dangers outweigh the benefits?
