Research summary
The presence of nanomaterials in food—whether as additives, contaminants or residues from agricultural processes—makes it impossible for people to avoid ingesting them. But a growing number of studies suggest that ingesting nanomaterials is harmful and could contribute to gastrointestinal disorders.
As Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Nanotechnology for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Saji George is examining how ingested nanomaterials transform as they move through the gastrointestinal tract and evaluating the role they play in food allergies. He and his research team are also evaluating whether ingested nanomaterials cause intestinal inflammation in both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing conditions. They will use the knowledge they generate to develop nanomaterial platforms to help mitigate the symptoms and minimize the effects of intestinal inflammation and infection. Ultimately, their research will shed light on both the hazardous and beneficial effects of nano-bio interactions in order to develop sustainable nanotechnology for the agri-food sector.