Nanosized Zinc Oxide: Super-Functionalities, Present Scenario of Application, Safety Issues, and Future Prospects in Food Processing and Allied Industries

ABSTRACT

Zinc oxide nanomaterial (ZnO-NM), synthesized by a variety of approaches, has become one of the most explored nano-sized inorganic compounds and is rapidly gaining interest in the food and allied industries. Present status of application of ZnO-NMs in food and allied industries along with their short-term and long-term risk factors for human and environment is extensively analyzed. Various opinions on remedial and preventive aspects on safety issues, as well as future prospects of ZnO-NM applications, are also reviewed in this article.

KEYWORDS:

• Zinc oxide
• nanomaterials
• ZnO-NM synthesis
• industrial application
• health risk