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J. M. K. IRUDAYARAJ, Dept. of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Pennsylvania State Univ., 227 Agricultural Engineering Bldg., University Park, PA 16802 and G. S. McCarty, Dept. of Engineering Science & Mechanics, Pennsylvania State Univ., 104 Materials Research Institute Bldg., University Park, PA 16802. Living systems (plants, animals, micro-organisms, insects, etc) for most part function at a nanoscale level and are governed by natural processes. The goal of nanotechnology is to build structures one atom or molecule at a time to create a myriad of novel molecular goods possessing amazing properties. The trick is to manipulate the molecules and place them where they are needed to make the appropriate structure. Nature has played an inspirational role in advancing this mini-world forward. Nanoproducts are already in use without the consumers being conscious about them. How do the fizzy drinks and fruit juices get their rainbow of colors? With a 9.7% increase in the FY 2004 investment and an expected worldwide labor force shortage, education and training will become a key component of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). The USDA as a partner agency in the federal National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is charged with the need to identify potential opportunities which will advance and revolutionize facets of Agricultural and Food systems. The objective of this presentation is to directly address the educational challenge in this sector relevant to food and agriculture. Educational component will address the principles, applications, and issues of Nanofabrication relevant to food safety and quality, plant and animal health, environment and crop monitoring, and sensor systems.
Session 45, Nanoscale science, engineering and technology for food safety and quality
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