An overview on the nanotechnological expansion, toxicity assessment and remediating approaches in Agriculture and Food industry

Abstract

Analytical nanoscience and nanotechnology serve to be one of the most promising avenues for streamlining the developments in the field of analytical science. The two main objects of action, the analyte and the tool have provided valuable information about the material at the nanometre​ scale and had contributed much in the development of novel analytical processes and improvement of the existing ones. Consequently, the scope of analytical nanotechnology in the biological field remains a challenge in understanding the functional aspects at the molecular level. This demands a combination of analytical methods in translating the nanoscale methods to biologically relevant tools. One such smart strategies of analytical nanotechnology toward sustainable agriculture practice and food production is the introduction of ‘nanobiosensors.’ This smart sensing approach is gaining momentum in the most important and stable sectors — the agriculture and food industry to ensure increased production with minimal inputs via real-time monitoring of the environmental conditions. This ‘sensing’ potential of nanobiosensors designed using hybrid technologies with utmost sensitivity and selectivity has been critically reviewed pertaining to a safer food production for human consumption. Furthermore, the nanotoxicity induced by the release of engineered nanomaterials into the environment, its monitoring and bioremediating measures have also been discussed in detail.