ABSTRACT
In the recent era and coming future, nanotechnology has a major role in the advancement of food science and technology in many aspects. In this review, we discuss the current research trends, challenges, and opportunities in the applications of nanotechnology in functional foods and packaging. Because of their smaller size and higher penetration in biological matrices, nanoproducts have a major role in efficient delivery systems of nutraceuticals, nutrients, and active compounds. Recently, many nanofood products have been launched with different efficient functions that have the potential to replace conventional food products on the market. Additionally, nanotechnology has a key role in nanofood packaging, particularly in active and smart packaging to fulfill different requirements, for example, sensing, O2scavenging, integrated antimicrobial systems, shelf life improvement systems, and so on. Most of the nanotechnological research that has potential applications in food sector is basic and up to the laboratory scale, which must be scaled up to the industrial scale. Industries should participate in nanotechnological research to develop different processes, protocols, products, or technologies that may be transferred following intellectual property rights. However, the toxicity and risks of nanofoods should be assessed and managed properly before they reach the consumer level. Governments, policy makers, and agencies should take the initiative to develop regulations for controlling the risks of nanofoods on the market.
