Exciting Potential for Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology, although still only an emerging science, is already being used in a vast array of products in several industries. The ability to control matter at dimensions of between 1 to 100 nanometres offers vast potential for industry and many benefits to consumers. The food industry is showing increasing interest in the potential for these techniques, which will allow manufacturers to improve products, reduce salt and fat, and replace or remove additives. While the introduction of nanoscience in food products has had a slow start compared to other industries, the Helmut Kaiser Consultancy estimates that the nanofood market is expected to soar from a value of USD5.3 bn in 2005 to USD20.4 bn in 2015.

New focus group

Interest in research into the areas of micro- and nanotechnologies is growing. In 2007, Leatherhead Food International (LFI) launched a working group to help the food industry explore potential for the application of nanotechnology in their products. Building on this success, LFI has just announced the formation of a Focus Group in collaboration with the NanoKTN, an organisation which facilitates the transfer of knowledge and experience between industry and research.

The Focus Group will be composed of representatives from industry and LFI, as well as nanotechnology experts. This will allow the food industry to present their interests in relation to emerging micro- and nanotechnologies to the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and the Government under the umbrella of the Focus Group.

Nanotechnology benefits

"We’re interested in the natural organisation of food because this occurs at the nano level," says Kathy Groves, joint Project Leader along with Dr Pretima Titoria. "Nanotechnology offers the potential to allow us to organise the structure of food at the micro and nano level. It has several benefits, from processing improvements, to reducing fat, salt and sugar. Consumers want high quality mouthfeel and flavour, and these are really big drivers."

Areas of focus

One area being studied by the NanoWatch© Working Group is nanoemulsions. These are interesting because they offer the potential for improved stability and reduction in the level of emulsifiers used, says Kathy. The technology to control the size of ingredients can be applied for reducing the fat content of foods by producing very small fat crystals, she says. "We do know that if we reduce the fat crystal size, we can improve functionality and put less fat in the product."

Another project running at LFI is to investigate techniques for preparing water-in-oil emulsions (WOW). These oil droplets, with nano-sized water droplets inside, can be used to make mayonnaise, cream and similar products, offering lower fat foods with good sensory properties. LFI is actively looking to extend the Working Group’s focus to other ingredients and hydrocolloids. "Real benefits from structuring these ingredients at the nano level would be obtained," adds Kathy.

Clever packaging

Nanotechnology has already made inroads into food safety, predominantly from a packaging perspective, for the production of lighter and stronger materials. Beyond this, nanotechnology for packaging has focussed on embedded nanosensors to enable consumers to ‘read’ the food inside. Sensors are reportedly being developed that will alert consumers before the food goes rotten, and will provide information on the nutritional status of packaging contents.

Another area of interest for LFI is the application of nanotechnology to the surfaces of some food processing equipment. Nanotech-modified surfaces can prevent food sticking to it, facilitating cleaning and reducing loss, and also prevent bacteria growing on the surface.

Adapted from an article published on FoodNavigator.com on 22 August 2008.

• To become a Member of the NanoWatch© Working Group or the Focus Group, or for information on micro- and nanotechnology in general, contact Project Leaders Kathy Groves E: kgroves@leatherheadfood.com, T: +44 (0)1372 822329, or Dr Pretima Titoria E: ptitoria@leatherheadfood.com