Titanium dioxide is generally recognized as safe by the USFDA, and ingestion is nearly unavoidable. The compound is an inert and insoluble material. However, in a study, researchers found that although it’s not lethal, it permanently damages the linings of the small intestine. Human exposure to novel nanoparticles, or, existing materials that have now been nano-engineered, is inevitable. In the food sector alone, there are multiple potential applications: Agriculture (e.g.
nanosensors for the detection of animal and plant pathogens), Food processing (e.g. nanocapsules for flavor/taste enhancement), Food packaging (e.g. nano clays and nanofilms as barrier materials to prevent spoilage and oxygen absorption) Dietary supplements (e.g. nanoencapsulation of nutrients and nutraceuticals for better absorption, stability or targeted delivery). Humans have evolved with oral exposure to dietary…
