Abstract
Today, with increasing population, food demand is on the rise and food safety is a matter of concern. This has led to the development of innovative techniques for better crop production and food preservation. In particular, publication and patent analysis show a rise in nanoscience research for food and agriculture. Food nanotechnology improves the shelf life and barrier properties, and prevents food spoilage and nutrient loss. Nano-agri research work is aimed to solve issues of stagnant crop yields, nutrient deficiencies, reduced delivery of plant growth regulators, herbicides, shrinking arable land, and climate change.
Here we reviewed the active research, industrial development and global patent trends of nanoscience in food and agriculture. The major points are: (1) work is done to improve barrier properties of biopolymers, carbon nanotube sensors for pathogen detection and antimicrobial packaging. (2) The year 2014 witnessed the highest number of publications in nano food and agriculture. (3) The overall increase in the number of patents in food and agriculture in 2011-2015 is 30.85%. (4) China research has been on rise from 2012, having the highest score of 18 nano agriculture patents in 2015, whereas Germany and Canada shows little activity in this field. (6) There is actually research on nanosensors for soil quality detection, nanomagnets for the removal of soil contaminants, nano-composites for the development of smart delivery systems, nanoscale carriers for efficient delivery of fertilizers and pesticides.