Application of nanotechnology in bioengineering industry and its potential hazards to human health and the environment

Abstract

Nanotechnology is regarded as one of the most transformative technology of 21st century, which has potential to upgrade scientific innovation while tremendously giving advantage to the society. Bioengineering is the application of the life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and engineering principles to define and solve problems in biology, medicine, health care and other fields. Bioengineering is a relatively new discipline that combines many aspects of traditional engineering fields such as chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering. Examples of bioengineering includes, artificial hips, knees and other joints ultrasound, MRI and other medical imaging techniques, using engineered organisms for chemical, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The applications of nanotechnology in bioengineering sector are safety (e.g., detection of pathogens in food), food security (e.g., intelligent, active, and smart packaging systems), food processing (e.g., encapsulation of flavor or odor enhancer; food textural or quality improvement; new gelation or viscofying agents). Nano-enabled materials (NEMs) are manufactured with dimension of less than 100 nm. The use of these nano-enabled materials (NEMs) in food contact substances is considered to improve functionality of food product. Nano-enabled materials (NEMs) are desirable for food packaging application due to increased surface reactivity and dispersibility. However, various studies shows that various nano-particles like nanocellulose, nanosilver etc. migrating out of packaging material at low levels and can cause health risks to consumers. Hence, it is necessary to research in this area to adequately characterize potential human hazards and risk associated with nanotechnology to human exposure, despite is immerse benefits to human health.