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The objective of this work was to highlight the importance of testing in a realistic way, metallic nanoparticles-based products, used in the food sector in order to provide representative data for a realistic and accurate risk assessment. To this end we give a brief overview of the current use and applications of metallic nanoparticles in the food industry, how the toxicological evaluations of nanoparticles in food should be performed and how nanoparticles-based products are regulated worldwide.This brief overview work provides a picture of the latest issues on the safety evaluation of metallic nanoparticles in the food sector and identifies also some major points that are important to take into consideration for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The continuous advancement of nanotechnology and its applications in the improving of agriculture are a reality; however, the information about the impact of this technology on biomolecular systems is limited. The aim of this paper is to construct, from a molecular point of view, an overview of the current state of researches around the metal nanoparticles effect on microorganisms (MOs) and thereby to contribute, from a theoretical basis, in the understanding of the possible interactions that take place between these materials and MO biomolecular systems when such substances are released to the environment, particularly in agroecosystems used for the food production. It is concluded that uncertainty associated with the effect of metal nanoparticles (M-NPs) on MOs is still very wide, and in consequence, further studies should be performed. In general terms, the M-NPs can interact with biomolecules using different mechanisms which can operate simultaneously, with a broad range of variables determining its effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]