Nanotechology: No longer the 'Wild West' of science?
Nanotechnology has become just one of many tools available to food companies looking to improve food safety, delivery of nutrients, or food packaging, transitioning from the 'Wild West' of science, according to deputy director of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office Dr. Sally Tinkle.
Speaking with FoodNavigator-USA at the IFT trade show in Las Vegas, Dr. Tinkle said that a few years ago, many researchers were exploring nanotechnology's capabilities for the sake of exploring nanotechnology. Today, nanotechnology is one of many enabling technologies available to industry, meaning that it may not be called out so often by food manufacturers.
She added that researchers are still cautious about understanding nanomaterials' safety and potential uses, particularly before incorporating them into food products.
