Nanotechnology in human nutrition represents an innovative advance in increasing the bioavailability and efficiency of bioactive compounds. This work delves into the multifaceted dietary contributions of nanoparticles (NPs) and their utilization for improving nutrient absorption and ensuring food safety. NPs exhibit exceptional solubility, a significant surface-to-volume ratio, and diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm, rendering them invaluable for applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery, as well as elevating food quality. The encapsulation of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants within NPs introduces an innovative approach to counteract nutritional instabilities and low solubility, promoting human health. Nanoencapsulation methods have included the production of nanocomposites, nanofibers, and nanoemulsions to benefit the delivery of bioactive food compounds. Nutrition-based nanotechnology and nanoceuticals are examined for their economic viability and potential to increase nutrient absorption. Although the advancement of nanotechnology in food demonstrates promising results, some limitations and concerns related to safety and regulation need to be widely discussed in future research. Thus, the potential of nanotechnology could open new paths for applications and significant advances in food, benefiting human nutrition.

The rapid evolution of nanotechnology has catalyzed significant advancements in the design and application of nano-sensors, particularly within the food industry, where ensuring safety and quality is of paramount concern. This review explores the multifaceted role of nano-sensors constructed from diverse nanomaterials in detecting foodborne pathogens and toxins, offering a comprehensive analysis of their operational principles, sensitivity, and specificity. Nano-sensors leverage unique physical and chemical properties at the nanoscale to enhance the detection of microbial contamination, actively contributing to food safety protocols. With applications ranging from real-time monitoring of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, to assessing environmental factors affecting food quality, these innovative devices demonstrate unparalleled advantages over conventional detection methods. Recent research illustrates the integration of nano-sensors with biosensing techniques, enabling multiplex analysis and rapid detection. Furthermore, the review addresses current challenges in the commercialization and regulatory landscape of nano-sensor technology, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to optimize their performance and facilitate widespread adoption in food safety systems. Overall, the incorporation of nano-sensors represents a transformative approach to safeguarding public health by proactively managing food safety risks and enhancing the efficiency of food quality assurance processes.

Nanotechnology is redefining food safety and hygiene, providing innovative tools to address global challenges. This review delves into the advancements in pathogen detection, smart packaging, and food preservation enabled by nanotechnology. Nanoparticle-based sensors have revolutionized the rapid identification of contaminants like Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, offering higher sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional methods. Smart packaging systems equipped with nanomaterials provide real-time contamination alerts and extend shelf life by enhancing barrier and antimicrobial properties. Nanoparticles, such as silver and zinc oxide, are increasingly used in packaging to inhibit microbial growth effectively. Additionally, nanoencapsulation techniques protect bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants and antimicrobials, ensuring their stability and controlled release, which enhances food quality and safety. The emergence of biodegradable nanocomposites and edible films offers eco-friendly packaging alternatives, addressing environmental concerns while maintaining food integrity. Despite these advancements, the high reactivity and small size of nanoparticles raise safety and regulatory challenges, necessitating comprehensive risk assessments and robust frameworks to ensure consumer and environmental protection. This review also explores the potential of utilizing biowaste for green synthesis of nanoparticles, which could further reduce environmental impact. By integrating cutting-edge detection methods, improving packaging solutions, and addressing safety and sustainability challenges, nanotechnology has the potential to transform food safety and hygiene practices. Future research should focus on advancing nanosensor sensitivity, developing sustainable materials, and fostering consumer trust through transparency and education, ensuring a safer and more sustainable food supply chain.

The present study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and hypoglycemic efficacy of topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The fruit extract, obtained through solvent extraction and analyzed via Gas-Liquid Chromatography (GLC), revealed a high concentration of bioactive compounds, notably terpinene (16.58 %), camphor (12.25 %), p-cymene (8.46 %), limonene (7.12 %), and saponins (9.58 %), contributing to a total identified component concentration of 71.41 %. The extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays showing up to 77.04 % and 76.97 % inhibition, respectively, and an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) peaking at 574.82 μmol TE/g extract. Interestingly, metal chelating activity followed an inverse trend, with the highest activity observed at the lowest concentration (25 μL), likely driven by low-molecular-weight phenolics and flavonoids with high bioavailability. A clinical trial involving 36 T2DM patients revealed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels following topical application of the extract to the feet. Blood glucose decreased by 46–65 mg/dL per application, with average values dropping from 157 mg/dL to 99.67 mg/dL (minimum) and from 374.67 mg/dL to 321.33 mg/dL (maximum), irrespective of gender. These findings demonstrate that C. colocynthis extract, rich in terpenes, saponins, phenolics, and flavonoids, exhibits potent antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties, supporting its potential as a safe, effective, and complementary therapeutic approach for managing type 2 diabetes. However, due to the open-label, single-arm design of this pilot study, placebo effects cannot be excluded, and the results require confirmation in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

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