25.3 The Versatile Role of Nanotechnology and Nanobiotechnology

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guidelines. In contrast to conventional procedures, GTs are expensive since it takes

into account the environmental issues, which are mostly not considered in other

conventional technologies. Wide implementations of GTs in industrial scale are

often hindered due to lack of efficient engineers and scientists in the domain as

well as trained personnel, lack of prior information, and data sources. There is a

constant need for updating the protocols in contrast to conventional procedures

regarding toxicology and other analytical methods; this often creates a problem

due to unavailability of prior data store. GTs and procedures often face the barriers

of regulatory authorities to a greater extent than the conventional technologies.

Furthermore, additional financial investments are necessary for setting up relevant

infrastructure, training of the personnel, etc. Often there is lack of skilled personnel

and other human resources. Lack of alternative procedures, alternative sources of

raw materials, reagents and chemicals, uncertainty in performance rates are other

challenges that need to be addressed. Furthermore, uncertainty remains regarding

end users acceptability of the novel green products in comparison to existing

conventional products [5, 14, 16–18].

Still, overcoming the constraints, implementations of GTs will obviously escalate

the product quality to qualify the rigid product specifications for foreign export.

Companies implementing GTs will be much more well equipped and advanced in

technology than others and thus justify different regulatory issues. There will be

reduction in input costs as the technology will utilize natural renewable resources,

energy conservation, focus on recycle and reuse of by products and waste products,

and finally protect the biodiversity, the burning issue of the day [8].

25.3

The Versatile Role of Nanotechnology

and Nanobiotechnology

Nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology in the light of “green innovation” have

shown versatile multiple applications. Rapid industrializations, meeting the

growing need of human demands starting from basic needs to luxury items,

great advancements in health care, necessitated automation in every field. In

nanotechnology, precise tailoring is done at atomic, molecular, and supramolecular

level to develop safe, clean, and smart products. Green nanotechnology is slowly

being recognized as a “general purpose technology” finding applications both in

industrial and different societal levels [16].

The potential applications of nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology are

discussed under the following broad headings:

25.3.1

Agriculture, Potable Water, and Food Processing

Development of framework for sustainable agriculture, food processing, and food

engineering is the need of the hour in order to secure food and nutrition for the

future. Soil conservation, integrated pest management, cover crops, rotational

grazing, agro-forestry are some of the essential requirements in sustainable