Food nano-biotechnology roadmap for Sri Lanka

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a major ernergmg technology, which can revolutionize food industry by employing special nanoscale properties of matter. It can he applied to food processing and packaging in order to improve quality, safety, varieties and health effects of food products. Sri Lanka. as a country based on an agricultural economy, has the potential to use this new technology for its socio-econornical development. The changing lifestyles and consumption patterns and the increasing global nano food market highlights the opportunities. while the government's support on nanotechnology R&D. positive industrial growth rates and established research facilities for food industrial research being the major strengths for applying this technology to the SLPPI. The Food Nano-biotcchnolcgy roadmap proposes mechanisms to eliminate weaknesses such as lack of technological awareness and innovativeness. The Food Nano-hioteehnology Roadmap is developed to lead the industry. academia and the government towards a nano-based food industry. Thus. National frameworks used in other countries arc reviewed and their strengths arc absorbed to develop the food nano-biotechnology roadmap for Sri Lanka. The proposed \ mechanism under the National Nano Center (NNC) is to be supported by the cxi ting university system. government departments and the industry. The IO-ycar time frame reveals the ability to move towards health, beauty and safety based food processing industry using nanoscale additives and ingredients, nanoencapsulation, nanocmulsions and nanopackaging. The Food Nano-biotechnology roadmap introduces the use of Blue Ocean strategy to enter the global nano food market for success of the business.