In all the cases mentioned above, while the technology based on nanomaterials were known to different civilizations, the nanoscale nature of their functional constituents have only been revealed recently. The extraordinary mechanical strength and a sharp cutting edge in Damascus sabre have recently been attributed to the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and cementite nanowires 14. Romans exhibited their mastery in technology in the Lycurgus cup by harnessing the optical properties of gold (Au) NPs 13. The dye used in colouring hair to black, during the Greco-Roman period, is now known to have been consisted of PbS nanocrystals (NCs) 12. History of nanotechnology is replete with examples of use of nanomaterials dating back to millennia 12, 13, 14. ![]() These materials could be considered safe for biological applications when there is no known toxicity and thus may possibly alleviate the misapprehension that all NPs are toxic. ![]() A way around this problem, could originate out of direct derivation of nanomaterials from food products, especially from traditional food items. The reason behind this seems to be their potential effect on human health following consumption, which has received little attention and the lack of awareness, which has raised concerns regarding the safety of nanomaterials in biological and food applications 1, 2, 3, 4. While NP formulations for topical applications are accepted by majority of population 11, the idea of the consumption of these particles, either for curing a disease or for having nutritional or flavouring benefit, creates an alarm for the public. ![]() Although, substantial development in the engineering of consumable NPs 5, 6, 7 and their effects in vitro and in vivo have taken place 8 few biodegradable NPs have entered clinical trials and have been marketed 9, 10. The promise of targeted and/or sustained release of drug, food colourants and flavours, while incorporated with NP, makes the pursuit of understanding of their functioning and fate a worthy exercise 5, 6, 7. The use as well as presence of nanoparticles (NPs) in food is a hotly debated area, owing to their short and long term effects on human health and the environment 1, 2, 3, 4.
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