Newswise — The
emerging discipline of nanotechnology holds the promise of improving functional
foods and the capability of delivering healthful food compounds to the
body where it can utilize them best. This is according to the latest issue
of Food Technology magazine.
Remarkable
achievements in nanotechnology—the science, engineering and technology
of controlling matter one-billionth a meter in size—show great potential
for positively influencing human health, the article states. By enhancing
solubility, improving bioavailability, and facilitating the controlled release
and protecting the stability of micronutrients in food products, nanotechnology
could be a successful method to design smart food systems able to target
specific systems within the body and their functions.
The report cites current applications that allow nanoscale food components
to be encapsulated and mixed with other foods in novel combinations. In some
instances it means now being able to dissolve in water compounds like vitamins,
antioxidants and healthy oils that usually are not water-soluble. In some
instances, nanoscale particles are so small that they're clear, expanding
their potential for use in a wide variety of products.
The article notes that nanoparticles are excellent for rapidly delivering
high concentrations of healthy, active ingredients directly to cell membranes.
On the other hand, the article highlights that nanoscale adhesive properties
may be used to bind to harmful matter and remove potentially harmful compounds
from the digestive tract.
Published by the international not-for-profit Institute of Food Technologists
and advancing food and health through sound science, Food Technology provides
news and analysis of the development, use, quality, safety, and regulation
of food sources, products, and processes.
Food Technology is accessible online at http://www.ift.org/foodtechnology .
Founded in 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists is a non-profit scientific
society with 22,000 members working in food science, technology and related
professions in industry, academia and government. As the society for food
science and technology, IFT brings sound science to the public discussion
of food issues. IFT World Headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois,
USA. For more on IFT, see http://www.ift.org .
