Nanotechnology is a science that utilises nano-sized materials, structures and functionalities. The attraction of research in and development of nanotechnology is based on the possibilities offered by the new technology and the good properties of the miniscule nanoparticles.
Nanotechnology is nowadays taken advantage of in almost all the most important fields of technology and industry. Important applications include e.g. pharmaceutical industry, electronics, energy technology and biotechnology. Medical applications, in particular, appear promising. There is an abundance of products on the market in which nanotechnology has been used, such as sun tan lotions containing nano-sized particles, antimicrobial clothing containing nanosilver as well as cooking utensils and electronics that utilise nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology can also be used in foods and food packages. Nanotechnology applied to foods is designed to develop new, useful properties to foods. Applications of nanotechnology in the food sector include intelligent and active food packaging, nano-sized additives, nanocapsules, nanoemulsions and nanodispersions, water purification as well as nanofiltration.