Benefits & applications
In agriculture, food and water nanotechnology is crucial. Nanosensors complete the broad scale of parameters that are monitored in the primary production and in the post-harvest processing. Proces innovations based on nanotechnology, such as membrane technology in separation processes, lead to more sustainable and circular production.
Nanostructured ingredients, nutrients and pesticides create a better delivery and ensure fewer losses and side effects. This will eventually lead to optimal quality and food safety, a reduction of food waste and enough clean water at the consumer at the of the smallest possible ecological footprint. Food is a nanostructured material and its processing takes place inside the human body on a nanoscale. Therefore, the possibilities of nanotechnology can be used to enhance product qualities and or realize new functionalities (food/body interaction) that fit within a preventive healthcare concept.
As Key-Enabling Technology (KET) nanotechnology will never be viewed in the end result but still has an essential role in this process. The program aims for the use and if need expansion of possibilities for nanotechnology on a sustainable way in our need to provide in high quality food and pure water, to ensure a healthy and happy life for future generations.