Nanotechnology Applications in Biological, Agricultural, and Food Materials

(1) Applications of nanotechnology to monitor and enhance quality characteristics in biological and agricultural materials.The goal of this research is to expand current knowledge in the area of nanotechnology as it applies to agricultural and food systems for new and improved utilization. Specific objectives of this research are to: (1) design delivery systems to carry, protect, and control the release of functional compounds to their specific site of action (i.e., increasing their bioavailability), (2) develop sensing platforms to monitor food quality (i.e., freshness) and authenticity in real-time as food product moves through the supply chain (3) develop thin film polymer coatings for delivery of active ingredients (antioxidants, anti-browning agents, etc.) and for improved performance properties (water vapor and oxygen barriers, thermal stability, etc.). The overall goal of this research is to help enable food producers, manufacturers, and consumers to make broader use of
nanotechnology that can add value and improve the quality of existing food and agricultural products.(2) Applications of nanotechnology to monitor and enhance biological and agricultural materials safety.The goal of this research is to design effective antimicrobial interventions technologies for food and agricultural system applications using nanotechnology as a tool. Specific objectives of this research are to: (1) develop and optimize colloidal dispersions that are able to control and extend the release of antimicrobial compounds in food and agricultural systems, (2) develop nano-enabled sensors for real-time monitoring of food contaminants (pathogens, individual biological molecules, etc.), (3) develop thin polymer coatings to be applied on surfaces and food packaging with antimicrobial properties by having tethered antimicrobial agents, bound directly to the surface of the material, or by the release of soluble antimicrobial agents in the surrounding environment. The overall goal
of this research is to help enable food producers, manufacturers, and consumers to make broader use of nanotechnology that can ensure and improve safety of food and agricultural products and consequently ensure public health.