APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN FOOD SAFETY AND AGRICULTURE: SMART PACKAGING AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR ENHANCED FOOD SECURITY

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines public perceptions of nanotechnology, focusing on food safety and agriculture. Understanding the factors influencing public attitudes toward nanotechnology can help policymakers and companies seeking to commercialize this emerging technology determine how acceptable it will be when applied in these critical sectors.
Objective: The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the public perception of nanotechnology, explore demographics that influence the way the public perceives these technologies, and take a sneak peek into general opinion around safety, ethics, and environmental impact in nano applications related to food safety or agriculture.
Study design: This mixed-methods study utilizes quantitative and qualitative data collection tools—a nanotechnology survey of 200 respondents for quantifiable baseline data on knowledge, attitudes, and concerns towards nanotechnology. Chi-Square tests, ANOVA, and T-tests were used for descriptive statistics and factor analysis. In addition, we carried-out a series of extensive qualitative interviews to add context and interpret the quantitative results at greater depth.
Results: There is a low level of public awareness concerning nanotechnology; 68% reported a general lack of knowledge about nanotechnologies. Still, it scored a positive response from 55% of the respondents who had at least some familiarity with nanotechnology and its uses for food safety or agriculture, with significantly higher marks in applications such as advanced food packaging. But worries were every day, too: 62% listed health risks of nanomaterials in food as a concern, and 48% named environmental impacts. The chi-square test indicated no significant association between education level and perception of safety (χ² = 13.497, p = 0.636, degree of freedom = 16). ANOVA revealed significant differences in attitudes across age groups (F = 0.827, p = 0.508). A T-test indicated no significant difference between the groups (t = -2.917, p = 0.003). The correlation analysis yielded a weak correlation (r = -0.042), indicating that the respondents' perceptions of nanotechnology's ability to reduce food waste are largely independent of their views on its effectiveness in monitoring food quality.
Practical Implications: These findings are helpful for policymakers and industry leaders in tracking workforce trends concerning gender ratio, age structure, and education levels. Strong public engagement initiatives are required to overcome the widespread ignorance and target fears about nanotechnology. Stakeholders must ensure that nanotechnology-based products are developed and marketed transparently, safeguarding the interests of society against potential misuse and abuse; regulators should establish governance mechanisms to prevent development without due regard for safety or ethics. Consumer concerns will play a significant role in the safe and effective implementation of nanotechnology within agriculture, food preservation & processing.
Significance: The results of this study show that the perception matrix can be used for analysis across several contexts, such as food safety agriculture, providing a more comprehensive view of public perceptions and attitudes to nanotechnology. The study provides insights needed to consider the factors connecting these perceptions, providing a better understanding of the effects affecting them (as it utilizes both quantitative & qualitative data). Therefore, this research is beneficial for shaping forthcoming state interventions and engagement activities. The study brings a unique perspective to the public acceptance of new technologies by looking at demographic correlates and educational influence on attitudes towards nanotechnology.
Conclusions: This study has demonstrated the importance of public perception for adopting nanotechnology in food safety and agriculture. Although the future of these possibilities is cautiously optimistic, there remain large concerns over safety and significant environmental impacts. There is a lot of pushback from the public about this, so making strides towards becoming more accepted by society will take focused education on these issues aligned with robust regulations. The results highlight the need for continued research and community outreach to deliver nano-innovations in ways that are consistent with societal values.