Abstract:
Nanotechnology has been in tremendous use in last two
decades including in the field of medicine, communication,
aerospace, environment, household goods and scientific researches.
Nanotechnology has proved its place in agricultural sciences and
related industries, as an interdisciplinary technology and a pioneer
in solving problems and filling the loopholes. Nanotechnology has
many applications in all stages of production, processing, storing,
packaging and transport of agricultural and horticultural products. A
very interesting application of nanoparticles in the scope of life
sciences is their use as ‘smart’ delivery systems. Nanoclay
nanomaterial has been in demand for its recycling nature. Given the
high surface area relative to the amount of nanomaterials, fertilizers
based on nanotechnology have the potential to surpass conventional
fertilizers. Enzymes based nano sensors can act as a sensing element
as they are very specific in attachment to certain biomolecules.
Nanosized TiO2 in low concentration (2 to 10 ppm) could encourage
seed germination of different crops. In packaging, the nano particles
can perform wide variety of applications, such as: polymer/clay
nanocomposites as high barrier packaging materials, silver
nanoparticles as potent antimicrobial agents, and nanosensors and
nanomaterial-based assays for the detection of food-relevant
analytes.
