Nanotechnology opportunities in agriculture and food systems

AGRO 111

Norm Scott, nrs5@cornell.edu, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
Examples of potential applications of nanotechnology include disease diagnosis and treatment delivery systems, new tools for molecular and cellular breeding, identity preservation of animal history from birth to a consumer's table, the security of food products, major impact on animal and human nutrition ranging from the diet to nutrient uptake and utilization, development and modification of new food products, modification of animal waste as expelled from the animal, pathogen detection, and many more. Existing research has demonstrated the feasibility of introducing nanoparticles into animals to seek and destroy targeted cells. Thus, building blocks do exist and are expected to be integrated into systems over the next couple of decades on a commercial basis. While it is reasonable to presume that nanobiotechnology industries and unique developments will have major implications on agriculture and food systems, this optimistic view must be informed and balanced with uncertainties to reach its potentially exciting future.