Use of Nanotechnology in Horticulture: A Review

Int. J. Agric.Sc & Vet.Med. 2014

Gurteg Singh and H S Rattanpal, 2014 ISSN 2320-3730 www.ijasvm.com Vol. 2, No. 1, February 2014 © 2014 www.ijasvm.com. All Rights Reserved

Review Article

USE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN HORTICULTURE: A REVIEW Gurteg Singh1* and H S Rattanpal1

*Corresponding Author: Gurteg Singh,  [email protected]

The development of nanotechnology creates an excellent opportunity to address complex technical issues of food supply chain. Failure to embrace nanotechnology will deny the horticultural sector an opportunity to capitalize on improved product visibility, food safety, quality and security and associated economic benefits. Agricultural and food supply chain management is complex due to the diverse characteristics of agricultural products. There are numerous types of horticultural crops and products, many of which are perishable. In addition, the degree of standardization of some kinds of fruit products and their management is still low. In this regard, the potential application of nanotechnology to the horticulture is reviewed. Investigation confirms that incremental application of nanotechnology in the horticulture, first in the fruit packaging and later in other areas such as tracking, tracing, storage and distribution, is occurring. Currently, most nanotechnology applications in the agricultural supply chain are concentrated in packaging, mainly in the improvement of packaging materials for product security, quality and safety. From the point of view of the supply chain, the logical extension is the application of intelligent packaging based on nano-sensors with a view to promoting information and management across all elements of an agricultural supply chain. Compared with traditional sensors and their shortcomings, nano-sensors have several advantageous properties, such as high sensitivity and selectivity, near real-time detection, low cost and portability. However, the economics of nanotechnology application in the agricultural supply chain is no more different to the application of other new technologies. Keywords: Chitosans, Colloid, Ethylene, Nanotechnology, Nanosensor, Packaging

INTRODUCTION

fade. Hence the strong interdisciplinary character that is associated with nanotechnology. The term “nanotechnology” is often used as an allencompassing term for nanoscale science, engineering, andtechnology. Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, the size-scale between individual atoms and bulk

Nanotechnology is a new approach that refers to understanding and mastering the properties of matter at the nano-scale: one nano-meter (one billionth of meter) is the length of a small molecule. At this level, matter exhibits different and often amazing properties and the borders between established scientific and technical disciplines 1

Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, Punjab, India.

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Gurteg Singh and H S Rattanpal, 2014

materials, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. At the nanoscale, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials can differ in fundamental and useful ways from the properties of bulk matter thereby ensuring new uses for existing materials.

contribute to this major safety issue. Gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea is considered an important post harvest pathogen around the world. It causes decay on a large number of economically important fruit and vegetables during the growing season and during post harvest storage. It is also a major obstacle to long distance transport and storage (Sommer et al., 1992). Control of this disease is especially import ant during storage because it develops at low temperatures (e.g., –0.5 °C) and spreads quickly among fruit and vegetables. On the other hand, losses can be ameliorated by fungicide treatments which can ensure product protection, but public awareness of the negative impact of synthetic fungicide residues on human health and environment has promptedde regulation of key chemical fungicides.

MAJOR APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN HORTICULTURE Horticulturalproductswasteisestimatedaround2030% in developing countries, so even if we manage to reduce this amount for 5-10%, huge saves willbe obtained. Reducing these losses can not only improve farmers’ incomes but could also encourage more consumption of this highly nutritious fruit in a region where per capita consumption is only half of the recommended level. Now, increasing production efficiency and decreasing post-harvest was tage with using novel sciences such as biotechnology and nanotechnology in products, could be counted as the best solution to this problem. Nanotechnology has already been applied to the management of supply chain processes associated with food quality, handling, packaging, and safety. In the field of agricultural supply chains, nanotechnology deployment is already bringing potential benefits to farmers, the food industry and consumers alike, through innovations in agri-food production, processing, preservation and packaging (FAO/ WHO, 2010).

It has been observed by Badawy and Rabea (2009) that different molecular weight Chitosans could directly in hibit the growth of B.cinerea in invitro and invivo assays. The antifungal effects were concentration and molecular weight dependent. They suggested that Chitosan improves resistance of tomato fruit against gray mold caused by B. cinerea and is promising as a natural compound to partially substitute for the utilization of synthetic fungicides in fruit and vegetables. At present, nano-ZnO, nano-siliconandnanoCaCO 3 we reused in post harvest fruit pre servation. The effect of 1% chitosan film with 0.04% nano-silicondioxide on the qualitative properties of harvested juju be under ambient temperature was investigated. After 32 day, the red index, decay incidence, weight loss, and respiration rate of the coated juju be swere lower compared with those of the control. The lower PAL activity and higher activities of scavenger antioxidant enzymes of the coated juju be scan beat tributed to the compound coating. Composite

LIMITING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF MICROORGANISMS A survey carriedout towards the end of the last century showed that the most important issue for 68% of consumers was the safety of the fruit the yeat. Numerous microbial, physical, and chemical hazards occur in the human food chain, which




Ali suggested the properties of nanocomposites depend less upon their individual components than mixing two or more materials which are dissimilar on the nanoscale in order to control and develop new and improved structures and properties (Ochsner et al., 2009). When incorporated into polymer matrices, nanomaterials interact with the food and/or its surrounding environment, thus providing active properties to packaging systems. Such properties, when present in food packaging systems, result in improvements in food safety/ stability or information about the safety (Azeredo et al., 2011).

coating had shown to be superior inpreserving total flavonoid than chitosan coating alone. But no differences were observed interms of vitamin Closs and total polyphenol content between composite coating and control (Luo et al., 2009; and Jiang et al., 2012).

NANOCOMPOSITE PACKAGING OF HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE Some of the innovative developments in nanotechnology are likely to transform the food industry by revolutionizing food packaging and safety (Meetoo, 2011). Most studies in this area have focused on food safety, examining how it can be used to control microbial growth, delay oxidation, improve tamper visibility, and create more convenience for both suppliers and consumers. Successful implementation would result in longer shelf life, safer packaging, better traceability of food products, and healthier food. Thus it is predicted that nanotechnology will become one of the most powerful forces for innovation in the food packaging industry (Akbari et al., 2007). Nanomaterials have multiple applications in food packaging systems, and these can overlap. Some immobilized enzymes, for example, can act as antimicrobial components, oxygen scavengers and/or nanosensors (Azeredo et al., 2011). Application of polymer nanocomposites, antimicrobial packaging and nanocoated films is more advanced and some nano packaging products are already on the market.

Bio-degradable bio-nanocomposites prepared from natural biopolymers such as starch and protein exhibit advantages as a food packaging material by providing enhanced organoleptic characteristics such as appearance, odour, and flavour (Zhao et al., 2008). Plantic Technologies Ltd, Altona, Australia has manufactured and is selling biodegradable and fully compostable bioplastics packaging (Taylor and Rebecca, 2006). This is constructed from organic corn starch using nanotechnology (Neethirajan and Jayas, 2011). The unique advantages of natural biopolymer packaging include their ability to handle particulate foods, act as carriers for functionally active substances, and provide nutritional supplements (Rhim and Nag, 2007). Nanomaterials offer an opportunity to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of packaging to improve the protection of foods from undesirable mechanical, thermal, chemical, ormicrobiological effects.

Nanocomposite technology and materials can be used to improve the physical properties of packaging materials, to increase mechanical strength, thermal stability, gas barrier, physicochemical, and recyclability properties (Arora and Padua, 2010). As Ochsner, Ahmed, and

Some advantages to using coatings include reduction of water loss, retardation of ripening, reduction of chilling and mechanical injury, reduced decay, and added shine or gloss to the coated products. Coatings can also be used as carriers of usefuling redients such as antim icro bial




compounds, color or aroma additives, antioxidants, oranti-ripening compounds. Coatings can in directly induce changes in flavor due to delayed ripening or as a result of anaerobic respiration respiration and accompanying increased ethanol concentrations. Coatings can be made from polys accharides, proteins, lipids or a combination of these materials (Baldwin et al., 1996).

nanofibres have been used for developing the “green” food packaging (Neethirajan and Jayas, 2011). Once production and material costs decrease, companies this technology can be used to increase product stability and survivability through the supply chain to deliver higher quality to their customers while reducing costs (Mohan, 2005).

Active packaging films for selective control of oxygen transmission and aroma affecting enzymes have been developed based on the nanotechnology approach. Modification of the surface of nanosized materials by dispersing agents can act as substrates for oxidoreductase enzymes (Neethirajan and Jayas, 2011). Nanocomposite film can be enriched with an enormous number of silicate nanoparticles that reduce the entry of oxygen and other gases and the exit of moisture, thus preventing food from spoiling (Scheffler et al., 2010). Smart-sensor technology could be very useful for monitoring the quality of grain, dairy products, fruit and vegetables in a storage environment in order to detect the source and the type of spoilage (Edu Transfer Design Associates, 2007). Some private concerns are creating a competitive advantage by producing food packaging bags and sachets from biodegradable polylactic acid and polycaprolactone obtained from the polymer nanocomposites of the corn plant. Kriegel et al. (2009) have developed a methodology which uses an electrospinning technique to make biodegradable safe food packaging from chitin. Chitin is a natural polymer and one of the main components of lobster shells. The electrospinning technique used involves dissolving chitin in a solvent and drawing it through a tiny hole with applied electricity to produce nanoslimfibre spins. These strong and naturally antimicrobial

Microorganisms are the most common cause of food poisoning and cause food spoilage, rendering food unfit for human consumption. Antimicrobial packaging systems can extend a product’s shelf life and maintain food safety by reducing the growth rate of microorganisms. Antimicrobial nanoparticle coatings in the matrix of the packaging material can reduce the development of bacteria on or near the food product. Antimicrobial packaging systems include the addition of an antimicrobial nanoparticle sachet to the package, dispersing bioactive agents in the packaging; coating bioactive agents on the surfaceof the packaging material, and utilizing antimicrobial macromolecules with film-forming properties or edible matrices (Coma, 2008). Applications of packaging nanotechnologies have been shown to increase the safety of food by reducing material toxicity, controlling the flow of gases and moisture, and increasing shelf life (Watson et al., 2011). There is a broad range of antimicrobial nanoparticles that have been synthesized and tested for applications in antimicrobial packaging and food storage boxes; these include silver oxide nanoparticles (Sondi and Sondi, 2004), zinc oxide, and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (Jones et al., 2008) and nisin particles produced from the fermentation of bacteria (Gadang et al., 2008).




Foods that are prone to spoiling on the surface, such as cheese, sliced meat, and bakery products, can be protected by contact packaging imbued with antimicrobial nanoparticles.

are being developed that uses DNA biochips to detect pathogens—a technique that can also be applied to determine the presence of different kinds of harmful bacteria or fungi affecting fruit. In addition there are plans to develop microarray sensors that can be used to identify pesticides in fruit and vegetables.

CTC Nanotechnology GmbH, Merzig, Germany has manufactured and is now selling a nanoscale dirt-repellent coating to create selfcleaning surfaces for use in food packages processing plants. This concept is based on a sol-gel process in which nanoparticles are suspended in a fluid medium. By the action of nanohydrophobisation, the absorbency of the surfaces to be treated is eliminated so that they remain resistant to environmental factors after cleaning, with the added advantage that this product is biodegradable and approved and certified for use with food (Neethirajan and Jayas, 2011).

By mean soft he right selection of materials and packaging technologies, it is possible to keep the product quality and freshness during the time required for its commercialization and consumption (Stewart et al., 2002). The nanocomposite materials obtained by mixing natural polymers andsheetsof crystalline solid layered (claysor LDHs), offer agreat variety of property profiles. They are even able to compete, both in price and in performance, with synthetic polymeric materials in packaging. Physical properties of normal packing and nano-packing materials has been demonstrated by Li et al. (2009). Nanotechnology has been widely applied to the food industry. Green tea with nano-packing, had better maintenance of vitamin C, chlorophyll, polyphenols and aminoacids than with normal packing (Hu and Fu, 2003).

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN SAFETY OF HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE Nanotechnology can help in satisfying increased demand from consumers for safe and quality food and to meet stringent government food safety regulations. Nanotechnology has shown significant promise in the enhancement of sensors able to detect spoilage or changes to product quality. To ensure food safety, Good Food Project scientists have developed a portable nanosensor to detect chemicals, pathogens and toxins in food on real time basis (Tiju and Mark, 2006). Food can be analysed for safety and quality at control points in the supply chain; for instance at the farm, abattoir, during shipping, at the warehouse or storage depot, and at the processing or packaging plant. This circumvents the very time consuming and expensive alternative of sending samples to laboratories. Now devices

It will help to reduce the packaging was teas sociated with processed foods and will support the preservation of fresh foods, extending their shelf life. Nano-composites also offer extra benefits like low density, transparency, good flow, better surface properties and recyclability. Inrecent years, nanomaterials have attracted increasing attention because of their potential impact on a wide range of industries and markets (Chenand Hu, 2005). Consisting of two or more layers of material with nanometer dimensions, a nanolaminate is an extreme lythin food-grade film (1-100 nm/layer) that has physically bonded or chemically bonded dimensions. Because of its




production rate with every reading. The current sensor using electrocatalysis and nanotechnology is a new and promising technology for affordable detection of ethylene (for apple, avocado, pear and kiwi), which will enable research in areas where ethylene could not be measured before due to lack of portable, sensitive, and near real-time measurement equipment.

advantages in the preparation of edible films, a nanolaminate has a number of important foodindustry applications. Edible films are present on a wide variety off oods: fruits, vegetables, meats, chocolate, candies, baked goods, and Frenchfries (Rhim, 2004). A colloid is a stable system of a substance containing small particles dispersed through out. An association colloid is a colloid whose particles are made up of even smaller molecules. Surfact antmicelles, vesicles, bilayers, rever semicelles, and liquid crystals areallexamplesofassociation colloids. The major disadvantages to association colloids are that they may compromise the flavor of the ingredients and can spontaneously dissociate if diluted.

Nanosensors allow the detection of contaminants; pests; nutrient content; and plant stress due to drought, temperature, insect or pathogen pressure, or lack of nutrients. Potential to allow farmers to utilize inputs more efficiently, allowing the farmer to apply nutrients, water, or crop protection (insecticide, fungicide, or herbicide) only where necessary.

USE OF NANO-BIOSENSORS IN HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE

NANO PRODUCTS FOR HORTICULTURAL CROPS Several pesticide manufacturers are developing pesticides encapsulated in nanoparticles. These pesticides may be time released or released upon the occurrence of an environmental trigger (e.g., temperature, humidity, light). It is unclear whether these pesticide products will be commercially available in the short term. Nanofertilizers have the opportunity to profoundly impact energy, the economy, and the environment by reducing nitrogen loss due to leaching, emissions, and long-term incorporation by soil microorganisms.

Ethylene efflux was measured in the laboratory in a similar way to using a traditional gas chromatograph for measuring the fruit metabolism in a respiration chamber (Blanke et al., 2013). With the continuous, real-time measurements of the nanoporous gold sensor, the steps of gas accumulation, injection into the column and calculation of the time efflux were eliminated. In a closed gas circuit or within an open environment, continuous measurement mode of the sensor provides one reading per minute (or at a user-selectable interval) without waiting for ethylene to accumulate in the head space, and then inject a sample into a GC. Using this approach, the trend in ethylene accumulation from which the rate of generation of the ethylene within that space can be determined. The new versions of the analyser provide an option for automatic determination of the fruit ethylene

Nanomaterials have attracted increasing attention because of their potential impact on a wide range of industries and markets. TiO2 has been the focus of photo catalysts under UV irradiation because of its physical and chemicalst ability, lowcost, ease of availability and nontoxicity. The nano-TiO 2 with light catalyzing




capability canoxidize ethylene into water and CO2. Silverions have also attracted the interest of several researchers, because of their photo activity, semi conduct or photocatalys is, nanocrystallites and antibacterial activity. NanoAg with little dimension, quanta and large external area effect, can have more effective antibacterial activity than Ag+. Moreover, nano-Ag has the function of absorbing and decomposing ethylene (Hu and Fu, 2003).

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CONCLUSION The economics of nanotechnology application in the agricultural supply chain is no different to the application of other new technologies. Initially, the outlay is relatively high, which impedes uptake of the new technology. Although the cost of some nano packaging materials has been reduced, the price of nano-sensors is relatively high. In the short to medium term, with large-scale applications, as well as the improvement of production technology, nano-technology costs will decrease significantly. In the long term, with the popularity of nanotechnology, the cost of the application of nanotechnology in the agricultural supply chain will become cost effective.

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