Application of Nanobiotechnology in Agri-Food Sector: A Promising Technique in Food Safety

The Agri-Food Sector is the center hub of human survival as it comprises all field, industrial and laboratory processes that are used in food production, a necessity for human survival. This sector has been faced with numerous challenges in its processes over time, some of which include pollution of agricultural sites, pest infestation, low crop yield, low shelf-life of food products, inadequate packaging models etc. Numerous technological approaches have been developed to increase agricultural productivity and enhance food safety, some of which have been met with limitations. The application of nanomaterials in Agri-Food Sector is a promising technology that has great potential in enhancing food safety. The Agri-Food Sector stands to benefit from the use of nanomaterials in areas such as remediation of polluted sites, pest control, increasing crop yield, improvement in nutrients and bioactive delivery systems, texture and flavor encapsulation. However, there have been concerns over the application of nanotechnology in food, such as toxicity of nanoparticles, energy consuming and expensive synthetic processes. The objective of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive review of green synthesis of nanoparticles (Nanobiotechnology) and the application of such bio-nanoparticles in the Agri-Food Sector.