The Promises of Nanotechnology: Will the Benefits Outweigh the Environmental Consequences? Patrick OConnell Nov 18 · 7 min read
This article details the latest scientific advances in nanocomposites, green nanotechnology, composites, and materials science. Professor Sabu Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, among the world’s foremost experts in the science of “ All things nanotechnology” (IMHO) is engaged in research activities in the fields of metallurgy and design of materials, advanced materials, materials for hydrogen storage, nanoscience and nanotechnology.
The list is seemingly endless: nanomedicine, nanomaterials, nanocomposites, magnetic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoalloys, magnetic hyperthermia, biomedical sciences and engineering, biomaterials, biomechanics, tissue mechanics and regenerative medicine are among the Professor’s interests. Dr. Thomas’s pioneering inventions in polymer nanocomposites, polymer blends, bio-nanotechnology, and environmentally friendly Nano-biomedical sciences have revolutionized the development of new materials for the automotive, aerospace, residential, and biomedical industries. [Sources: 1, 2,3,6,7]
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What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is the study and application of small things that can be used in the fields of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Materials Science, and Engineering.
The scientific background, broad scientific imagination, and vision of engineering science will herald a new era of composite materials and materials science. Green nanotechnology, modern materials, and green chemistry are the miracles of today’s science and technology. Similarly, materials science and green nanotechnology are in the process of scientific identification, development, and in-depth scientific understanding/clarification concerning how best to mass-produce nanomaterials for the global market. [Sources: 2, 7]
This brief overview highlights the applications of current nanotechnology research in food technology and agriculture, including Nano-emulsions, Nanocomposites, Nano-sensors, Nanoencapsulation, food packaging, and suggests future developments in the emerging field of agri-food nanotechnology.
The journal cited in the sources at the end of this paragraph serves as a forum for the dissemination of basic research in applied Materials Science. These sources rigorously describe the advances and vision of science in environmentally friendly Nanocomposites and fiber-reinforced composites. [Sources: 2, 6, 9]
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These nanotechnology advances may include but are not limited to, nanocomposite materials, bio-composite materials, environmentally friendly composite materials, energy composite materials, and composite materials that mimic natural materials. Nanomaterials have many advantages in energy conversion and storage applications. They can handle very small particles because of their characteristics and behaviour. They can be used in various technologies, such as nanorobots, materials science, Nano-sensors, Microtechnology, Forensics, and Chemical Engineering. Other uses include the fields of Biology, Bioengineering, and Electrical engineering. [Sources: 2, 7, 8]
As with the development of any new food processing technology, food packaging materials, or food ingredients, further research is needed to prove the potential benefits of Nanotechnology and engineered Nanomaterials for food without adversely affecting health. In recent years, the scientific basic research of nanomaterials has made progress, making it possible to significantly improve the technology of composite materials based on carbon nanotubes. Advanced materials and machining are important research areas of Engineering science and technology, and must focus on bridging the key gap between researchers and engineers to shape a new world. [Sources: 6, 7, 9]
Optical materials science develops, synthesizes, characterizes, and finds applications for new optical materials, while magnetic materials research develops new materials for data storage and super magnetism.
As mentioned previously, Professor Thomas is an outstanding leader for his expertise in Nanoscience, Polymer science, and technology, including Polymer Nanocomposites, Elastomers, Polymer blends, interpenetrating Polymer networks, Polymer membranes, and Green composites. His ground-breaking work in Nanocomposites, Nanomedicine, and Green Nanotechnology have been acclaimed internationally.
The most promising field of metal-based nanocomposites and ceramic-based nanocomposites is the dental field, where non-polymer nanocomposites or metal or ceramic inorganic materials, such as calcium phosphate nanoparticles, hydroxyapatite, and bioactive glass show great promise. Moreover, nanomaterials can be used for alveolar bone regeneration and tooth enamel replacement. Many other applications of nanomaterials are being outlined vis-à-vis nanostructured materials, in their current applications and also future prospects in food science. [Sources: 1, 3, 6, 7]
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Due to the high surface area to volume ratio of nanofillers, food packaging materials based on Polymer Nanocomposites with antibacterial properties are particularly useful.
In this article, I discuss some current research on Nanotechnology in food technology and agriculture, including processing, packaging, Nano additives, purification, and sensors for detecting pollution. Research in the field of agriculture shows great promise in future developments in the emerging field of agricultural food Nanotechnology . In the field of active food packaging, these breakthroughs occur in the polymer nanocomposites space (Youssef, 2013). [Sources: 6, 8, 10]
Similarly, nanotechnology research explores cellulose-based materials for engineering and interdisciplinary applications, including methods for converting cellulose into nanocellulose, and methods for the manufacture of their mixtures and composite materials. Nanocomposites that do not contain polymers or polymer-based materials are called non-polymer-based nanocomposites. Polymer nanocomposites are considered to be a class of materials with unique properties, but the most challenging performance of PNC is the complex interface area between polymer matrices. This is because it has a large specific surface area on a small scale, which highlights the importance of polymer-nanoparticle interactions. Cornell University’s current cutting-edge materials research focuses on ceramics, complex fluids, metals, polymers, and semiconductors in the form of thin and bulk films. [Sources: 0, 3, 11]
It also highlights the features of food nanotechnology, as well as its current and potential future applications in food science. However, their goal of developing packaging of Bio-Nano composites using nanotechnology raises concerns about accidental pollution of the environment by nanoparticles released during polymer degradation. Nanoparticles can be incorporated into packaging materials to extend the shelf life of high-quality food products. [Sources: 10]
In fact, this is due to their significantly thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties compared to micro and traditional composites. Therefore, more research is needed to commercialize these antimicrobial nanocomposite packaging materials. To overcome the limitations of various technical materials today, nanocomposites have emerged that provide cost-effective alternatives. Sources 3 and 10 describe the impact of nanotechnology on food systems and describe the results of the use of antimicrobial nanostructured materials for bacteria. [Sources: 3, 10]
The inexpensive, readily available starch clay material articulated by the researchers cited in this paragraph, allows the production of a variety of biodegradable nanocomposites, including food packaging (Chen & Julian, 2005; Cyras et al., 2008; Dhapte et al., 2015; Huang et al., 2005; Huang et al. al., 2008; al., 2004; Park et al., 2002). [Sources: 10]
Other areas of scientific engagement are advances in environmental and energy sustainability. Dr. LeBlanc, has a very rich experience in Materials Chemistry, especially in the preparation of new materials and the development of their biological applications.
The sources cited at the end of this paragraph represent the most cutting-edge research in the industry with significant impact potential. Synthesis and processing of materials and solid-state reactions in model systems are also studied. The science of nanotechnology is becoming increasingly robust with each passing day. The many researchers working on ways to bring this paradigm-shifting technology into the mainstream will indeed have a far-reaching impact on humanity. It is hoped that any environmental issues will be resolved along the way. [Sources: 2, 4, 5, 11]
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Sources
[2]:https://ebrary.net/190264/environment/nanocomposites_environmental_pollution_control_reaching_review
[11]: https://gradschool.cornell.edu/academics/fields-of-study/field/materials-science-and-engineering/