Abstract

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field of current interest. The huge possibilities in most industries are making nanoscience grow at a rapid pace, but what is the real impact of nanotechnology in a traditional industry such as food? The study of patents published in the last 20 years provides the answer, and the results are quite surprising; the food industry is the fifth largest sector in terms of patents related to nanotechnology.

Keywords: Food Nanotechnology, Additives, antimicrobial agents, food control, immobilized enzymes, nanotechnology, packaging, Food Control Detectors, Immobilization Systems, nano-polymer compositions