Applications of nanotechnology in the agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals

Several nanotechnology applications in the agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical sectors are reviewed. The properties of nanomaterials (small size, large pore volume, high biochemical reactivity, optical and reactive properties) made these an interesting option to the application of nanoparticles. Therefore, the importance of this review focuses on the application of nanoparticles on these three sectors. The use of dispersion systems, monitoring chemical compounds, and climatological environmental properties comprise some applications in agricultural sector. Moreover, the use of nanoparticles, such as microbiological and adulteration detection, determination of chemical compounds, and the development of new packaging materials, in the food industry are interesting in this sector. Finally, the release of bioactive compounds (drug and vaccine delivery mechanisms) and protecting a drug from degradation and providing it better absorption are some important applications of nanoparticles in the pharmacology sector. Nanosensors, nanocapsules, nanospheres, liposomes, nanoemulsions, and nanosuspensions include additional applications of the particles described. In summary, much research has demonstrated the potential application and benefits of nanotechnology in these sectors. However, more research is necessary to describe the effect of nanoparticles on soil, water, and agricultural products, and the manner in which nanoparticles are eliminated from the body and the impact of these particles on health and their regulation.