ABSTRACT

Nanomaterials have attracted significant attention in engineering, medical, and agricultural sciences because they offer better properties and characteristics than bulk materials. In this chapter, emphasis is placed on the types of nanomaterials available in the market and their applications in numerous products used in our daily life and in many industrial applications. Although there is still controversy over the safety and legal aspects of using nanomaterials in food and cosmetics, they have been used successfully to enhance the quality of the products in these sectors. For example, in the food industry, they are used for smart packaging, to improve the taste and texture of the food, and for the manufacture of nanosensors to detect contamination of food products. Examples of applications in cosmetic products include sunscreens, moisturizers, anti-aging creams, lipsticks, and hair and skin care products. The safety issues related to the application of nanomaterials in food, cosmetics, and agricultural sectors has been highlighted in this chapter.